heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature compare heat exhaustion, sunstroke

Examples of heatstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When a person is experiencing heatstroke their body’s internal temperature rises to 104 F or higher, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

The study also found that heatstroke in dogs wasn’t limited to peak summer. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 9 July 2026

Veterinarians warn that heatstroke can develop within minutes on a hot afternoon, and dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature the way people can. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heatstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time compare sunstroke

Medical Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition characterized by cessation of sweating with inadequate elimination of body heat, extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, flaccid muscles, delirium, collapse, and coma and resulting from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperature which causes a dysfunction of the temperature-regulating mechanism of the body see sunstroke compare heat exhaustion