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.
Becker and Stern contend that a regional market would give California better access to reliable electricity as the grid faces rising demand and natural disasters, including heat waves and wildfires. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 At the same time, extreme weather events such as heat waves and large storms are projected to increase in frequency and intensity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025 Heat advisories are in effect for large swaths of the region over the course of the two-day heat wave, with possible thunderstorms near the border with Nevada in the Reno area. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 Although these areas often see temperatures in the triple digits during the summer, this is one of the first heat waves of the season and some people might be unprepared. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!