microwave

1 of 2

noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
often attributive
1
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2

microwave

2 of 2

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable

Examples of microwave in a Sentence

Noun The apartment came with a microwave. Verb microwave a bowl of soup
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Heating it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds works well too. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 22 Oct. 2024 Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Meat Products Were Just Recalled Due to Listeria Concerns Your favorite wrap, salad, or microwave dinner might be at risk. Caroline Tien, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
Certain prepared foods or meals can be microwaved directly from the freezer without prior defrosting. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 The technologists adapted, by combining the microwave with other heat sources so that the food didn’t feel microwaved. Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for microwave 

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

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microwave was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near microwave

Cite this Entry

“Microwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microwave. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

microwave

1 of 2 noun
mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
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
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable

Medical Definition

microwave

noun
mi·​cro·​wave -ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
often attributive
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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