cold wave

noun

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about cold wave

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Synonyms & Antonyms for cold wave

Synonyms

Antonyms

heat,
heat wave

Examples of cold wave in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web The historic cold wave that hit Texas and other parts of the South created a huge demand for gas — both for heat and electricity generation. — Mike Hughlett, Star Tribune, "Minnesotans' heating bills could be $400 higher because of Southern storm," 23 Feb. 2021 When the cold wave struck in mid-February, these gambles came together to create catastrophe. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, "Column: The Texas crisis reminds us that ‘natural’ disasters are almost always manmade," 22 Feb. 2021 The recent cold wave and storm in Texas have placed considerable focus on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the nonprofit corporation that manages the flow of electricity to more than 26 million Texans. — Theodore J. Kury, Quartz, "How Texas and the rest of the US regulate electricity," 19 Feb. 2021 The notion that the global phenomenon of a hotter planet could be sending a shocking cold wave into the southern United States might seem nonsensical. — Star Tribune, "Climate change might be to blame for Texas cold," 15 Feb. 2021 Then a cold wave could sweep through the East Coast late next week. — John Bacon, USA TODAY, "As Delta departs, historic and furious hurricane season could soon follow," 11 Oct. 2020 All South Koreans could do was watch, heartbroken, the desperate videos from students sending last messages to their families as cold waves filled the ship. — Choe Sang-hun, New York Times, "An Overloaded Ferry Flipped and Drowned Hundreds of Schoolchildren. Could It Happen Again?," 10 June 2019 Another great cold wave occurred in 1912, over a six-week stretch from Jan. 5 to Feb. 15. — Kevin Ambrose, Washington Post, "Historical photos of unparalleled polar vortex outbreaks in D.C.," 4 Jan. 2018 While our recent cold wave may rival some from the past, the true benchmark for cold in Washington occurred Feb. 11, 1899, when the mercury dipped to minus-15 degrees. — Kevin Ambrose, Washington Post, "Historical photos of unparalleled polar vortex outbreaks in D.C.," 4 Jan. 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near cold wave

cold-water paint

Statistics for cold wave

Last Updated

6 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Cold wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20wave. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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