heat wave

noun

Synonyms of heat wavenext
: 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.
In May, even before summer arrived, the UK sweltered under a record-breaking heat wave, during which at least 19 people drowned in open water, 13 of them children, according to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS). Kara Fox, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 Though uncertainty remains around the details, the enduring heat wave is expected to begin taking hold over the June 27-28 weekend, then expand and endure through at least July 4. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 27 June 2026 Extreme temperatures are on the horizon in Southeast Michigan, setting the stage for a prolonged and dangerous heat wave next week. Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 27 June 2026 Then the metro turns dangerously hot with a heat dome that could kick off the first heat wave of summer, according to the National Weather Service. Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 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 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

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