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.
These areas include places that will hold water in drought and remain cooler during heat waves. Diana Stralberg, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025 The twin records are part of a broader December heat wave gripping Arizona and the Southwest, with temperatures running about 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025 Southern Californians would enjoy a Minnesota white Christmas and North Dakota folks would covet a California heat wave in December. Dan Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025 Poor weather conditions — like severe thunderstorms and heat waves — early in the season also hampered attendance as the company was forced to shut down parks for several days, Cramer continued. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 24 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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