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
What community doesn’t want a giant heat island of concrete buildings humming with low-frequency sound?
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
We've been forced to scale back plans to expand access to greenspace in one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods that is severely impacted by urban heat island effect.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 June 2025
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Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
We've been forced to scale back plans to expand access to greenspace in one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods that is severely impacted by urban heat island effect.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heat island.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20island. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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