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.
El Niño is developing even as the oceans are already experiencing heat waves. — Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves have pushed pet safety to the front of many owners’ minds this summer. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 From searing heat waves to regulatory rollbacks, sustainability is a tough topic for global leaders. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 July 2026 Fatalities peak during heat waves and hotter-than-average years. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 July 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

Rhymes for heat wave

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Browse Nearby Words

heat up
heat wave
heaume
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Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heat wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heat wave

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