cold wave

noun

Updated on: 29 Mar 2018

Definition of cold wave

1 : an unusually large and rapid drop in temperature over a short period of time (such as 24 hours)

2 : a permanent wave set by a chemical preparation without the use of heat

Examples of cold wave in a Sentence

the unseasonable cold wave in the Northeast has already put a strain on oil supplies

Recent Examples of cold wave from the Web

In addition to the aforementioned coldest final week plus first week of a year since 1918, here are some other key local tidbits about the longevity of this cold wave: D.C.’s run of 12 days at or below 35 degrees is the sixth-longest on record.

— ian livingston, Washington Post, "The cold snap the D.C. area just went through was one for the ages," 9 Jan. 2018
But the unexpected cold wave didn't stop the push for open housing in Milwaukee.

— chris foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Open housing marchers battled the same arctic blast that chilled the Packers' Ice Bowl," 2 Jan. 2018
The effect of one in this drink is substantial, a stealthy allium depth charge that lends a vaguely roasty, vegetal note and that rides atop the gin’s natural botanicals for a crystal-cold wave of savory flavors.

— craig laban, Philly.com, "This Gibson offers a sip of elegance, craftsmanship, and history," 31 Jan. 2018
But ice accumulations from a nationwide cold wave that meteorologists have named Winter Storm Inga prompted organizers to delay the official opening.

— scott huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, "Confluence Park opening postponed," 16 Jan. 2018
Temperatures will rise Tuesday after the longest cold wave since 1977, the National Weather Service said.

— bruce henderson, charlotteobserver, "NC waterfalls freeze into stunning ice sculptures. Here’s where you can see some.," 9 Jan. 2018
Only two days have climbed above 20 degrees during the two-week cold wave: Dec. 25, when the high reached 28, and last Wednesday, which made it to 21.

— plain dealer staff, cleveland.com, "Here's how long it's been freezing in Cleveland," 7 Jan. 2018
The Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, in particular, are likely to feel the wrath of relentless and punishing cold waves.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "Wicked cold to cover big chunk of Lower 48 from Christmas to New Year’s," 20 Dec. 2017
In a letter to energy regulators, Perry cites the Polar Vortex cold wave in 2014 and recent hurricanes that devastated parts of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico as examples of why the nation’s fuel supply must be protected.

— michael collins, USA TODAY, "Critics: Proposed energy rule is payback to ailing coal industry for supporting Trump," 8 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cold wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of cold wave

1876

cold wave Synonyms

Learn More about cold wave

See words that rhyme with cold wave Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cold wave

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cold wave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

cold wave

Definition of cold wave

Examples of cold wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cold wave from the Web

First Known Use of cold wave

cold wave Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Learn More about cold wave

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

cold wave

Definition of cold wave

Examples of cold wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cold wave from the Web

First Known Use of cold wave

cold wave Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Learn More about cold wave

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes