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.
Severe heat waves were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal at the end of June and beginning of July. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025 After an unusual Christmas heat wave, a cold front is expected to move into Kansas City this week, bringing possible snow to some parts of Missouri Sunday afternoon. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025 Suffice it to say, this heat wave is unprecedented. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 25 Dec. 2025 With meteorology experience from the deep South, to the Midwest and Northeast, Jason has covered tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, extreme heat waves, and winter storms. CBS News, 23 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

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