cold wave
noun
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 on the Web
These consisted of 17 severe storms (tornado outbreaks, high wind, hailstorms), 5 tropical cyclones, and 2 winter storm-cold waves, a wildfire and 1 drought/heatwave.
—
Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In 2024, there were 27 confirmed U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters: 17 severe storm events (tornado outbreaks, high wind, hailstorms), five hurricanes, one wildfire, one drought/heat wave and two winter storm/cold wave events.
—William "coty" Keller, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Additionally, some later writings describing severe winters and cold waves support this thesis.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025
In 15 States As 20 Inches Of Snow To Hit
By Natalie Venegas
Weekend Reporter
1
Philadelphia residents are bracing for an intense cold wave as temperatures plummet to record-breaking lows and the National Weather Service (NWS) warns of hypothermia and frostbite.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold wave
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Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In 2024, there were 27 confirmed U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters: 17 severe storm events (tornado outbreaks, high wind, hailstorms), five hurricanes, one wildfire, one drought/heat wave and two winter storm/cold wave events.
—William "coty" Keller, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Additionally, some later writings describing severe winters and cold waves support this thesis.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025
In 15 States As 20 Inches Of Snow To Hit
By Natalie Venegas
Weekend Reporter
1
Philadelphia residents are bracing for an intense cold wave as temperatures plummet to record-breaking lows and the National Weather Service (NWS) warns of hypothermia and frostbite.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold wave
Cite this Entry
“Cold wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20wave. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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