heat wave

noun

: a period of unusually hot weather

Examples of heat wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And longer and more severe droughts and prolonged heat waves are resulting in drier vegetation. — Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 2026

The New York Times European residents and summer travelers alike are searching for ways to stay safe and cool as the continent continues to swelter amid a series of historic heat waves. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026

Just as millions in the United States have cooled down from the last heat wave, another round of blistering temperatures is upon the country. — Joelle Gross, NBC news, 15 July 2026

With a heat wave expected to peak in Southern California on Wednesday, forecasters are warning of elevated fire risk. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heat wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun

: a period of unusually hot weather