mi·cro·wave
ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv 
often attributive
1
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially
: one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
microwaved; microwaving; microwaves
: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
Examples of microwave in a Sentence
Noun
The apartment came with a microwave.
Verb
microwave a bowl of soup
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023
The dishwasher-safe mugs are made of high-quality stoneware (with specialist clays that not only keep your coffee hot for longer, but are strong enough to be used in the oven and microwave) and finished in shades of Cerise, Volcanic, Dijon Yellow, Palm, Ultraviolet and Teal.
—Lela London, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Most kitchens are outfitted with a stovetop fan (or a range hood or microwave fan) to reduce smoke and improve air quality in the kitchen.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2023
The microwave makes quick work of cooking the chicken and fresh vegetables and the rest — diced tomatoes and beans — come precooked in cans.
—Julie Giuffrida, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2023
Sink, microwave, espresso machine, workout bench, rack of weights, heavy bag, speed bag, gloves, mitts, a towel.
—Anna Deavere Smith, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023
Dip cake balls in white chocolate: Melt 1 package of the melting wafers in a medium-size microwavable bowl in microwave according to package directions.
—Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2023
In a separate small bowl, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave.
—Erin Jeanne McDowell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2023
Then heat in the microwave for 1 minute per cup of rice.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023
Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023
The platter is dishwasher and microwave safe and would be perfect for any dinner party or family gathering.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2023
Just fill her with water and vinegar, then microwave her for about seven minutes.
—Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2023
The cups, by Italian designer Matteo Thun for Germany’s Zwilling J.A. Henckels, are dishwasher and microwave safe.
—Leigh-Ann Jackson, wsj.com, 30 Oct. 2023
Air-fry or roast the cauliflower (maybe with a sprinkle of curry powder or your favorite spice mix), microwave the chickpeas and rice, and give everything a big squeeze of lime and plop of yogurt to serve.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 20 Sep. 2023
Butternut Squash Lasagna Absolutely do not microwave this like the box says.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 14 Oct. 2023
This 32-ounce pitcher is dishwasher and microwave safe and is lovely to have on a nice hot day.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2023
The containers are stackable and dishwasher and microwave safe.
—Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2023
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Noun
To speed up the cook time, this recipe employs the microwave to gently steam the Brussels sprouts.
—Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023
The dishwasher-safe mugs are made of high-quality stoneware (with specialist clays that not only keep your coffee hot for longer, but are strong enough to be used in the oven and microwave) and finished in shades of Cerise, Volcanic, Dijon Yellow, Palm, Ultraviolet and Teal.
—Lela London, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Most kitchens are outfitted with a stovetop fan (or a range hood or microwave fan) to reduce smoke and improve air quality in the kitchen.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2023
The microwave makes quick work of cooking the chicken and fresh vegetables and the rest — diced tomatoes and beans — come precooked in cans.
—Julie Giuffrida, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2023
Sink, microwave, espresso machine, workout bench, rack of weights, heavy bag, speed bag, gloves, mitts, a towel.
—Anna Deavere Smith, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023
Dip cake balls in white chocolate: Melt 1 package of the melting wafers in a medium-size microwavable bowl in microwave according to package directions.
—Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2023
In a separate small bowl, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave.
—Erin Jeanne McDowell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2023
Then heat in the microwave for 1 minute per cup of rice.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023
Verb
Just microwave the insoles for about 60 seconds, slide them back in place, then slip the booties over your feet, and enjoy about a half-hour of therapeutic warmth.
—Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023
The platter is dishwasher and microwave safe and would be perfect for any dinner party or family gathering.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2023
Just fill her with water and vinegar, then microwave her for about seven minutes.
—Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2023
The cups, by Italian designer Matteo Thun for Germany’s Zwilling J.A. Henckels, are dishwasher and microwave safe.
—Leigh-Ann Jackson, wsj.com, 30 Oct. 2023
Air-fry or roast the cauliflower (maybe with a sprinkle of curry powder or your favorite spice mix), microwave the chickpeas and rice, and give everything a big squeeze of lime and plop of yogurt to serve.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 20 Sep. 2023
Butternut Squash Lasagna Absolutely do not microwave this like the box says.
—Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 14 Oct. 2023
This 32-ounce pitcher is dishwasher and microwave safe and is lovely to have on a nice hot day.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2023
The containers are stackable and dishwasher and microwave safe.
—Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microwave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing microwave
Dictionary Entries Near microwave
Cite this Entry
“Microwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microwave. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
microwave
1 of 2 noun
mi·cro·wave
ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv
1
: a radio wave between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
microwave
2 of 2 verb
: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
Medical Definition
microwave
noun
mi·cro·wave
-ˌwāv
often attributive
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially
: one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength
More from Merriam-Webster on microwave
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for microwave
Nglish: Translation of microwave for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of microwave for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microwave
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