heat wave

noun

: a period of unusually hot weather

Examples of heat wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the main focuses is breeding coral species that are more resilient to future heat waves, O'Neil said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025 But when a heat wave strikes, sending both daytime and nighttime temperatures soaring for multiple days in a row, the underground temperature can start to rise. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The dry thunderstorms come amid a lingering heat wave in Southern California and scorching temperatures in other parts of the state. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 According to forecasters at AccuWeather, a heat wave is set to intensify across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia in the coming days. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heat wave

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat wave was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

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