heat island

noun

plural heat islands

: an urban area that experiences higher atmospheric temperatures than the surrounding environment (as due to having less greenery and more structures that absorb and retain heat)

—often used before another noun

factors that contribute to a heat island effect

Examples of heat island in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On top of working long hours in blistering heat and returning to a heat island, many Latinos then must maneuver the issue of older housing. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

One other thing to be considered is that asphalting adds to the urban heat island effect. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

The author draws a parallel to meteorological phenomena like the urban heat island effect, where evaporation helps cool environments, even humorously recounting using an infrared camera to study heat dynamics within their own sauna. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

While more research is needed, these findings suggest that data centers can worsen heat exposure in neighborhoods that are already impacted by the urban heat island effect. — Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heat island

• dryland