frost heave

noun

: an upthrust of ground or pavement caused by freezing of moist soil

called also frost heaving

Examples of frost heave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In cold regions, footings often need to extend a little below the frost line to prevent the deck from being lifted by frost heave in winter. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026

Driving almost blind at high speed, Bob Markle was unable to avoid a frost heave in the roadbed. — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

Prevent frost heaving by aerating the soil, improving drainage, and mulching before winter. — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026

Drivers know about potholes, frost heaves and pavement erosion long before the government organization in charge of the roads does. — Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frost heave

• achieve
• believe
• conceive
• deceive
• naive
• perceive
• receive
• relieve
• reprieve
• retrieve
• breve
• cleave