microwave

1 of 3

noun

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

: microwave oven

microwave

2 of 3

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven

microwavable adjective

or microwaveable

ˌmī-krō-ˈwā-və-bəl 

microwavable

3 of 3

adjective

mi·​cro·​wav·​able

variants or microwaveable

¦mīkrō¦wāvəbəl 

-krə¦-

: suitable for preparation in a microwave oven

also : capable of being safely used in a microwave oven

microwavable plates

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

In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

This unit transitions into the kitchen, which is positioned on one wall and equipped with a stainless steel sink, a microwave, an induction cooktop, and a fridge freezer. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

Verb

In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

Fresh pumpkin puree is easy to make by roasting or microwaving pie pumpkins; store puree in the fridge for 3 days. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1977, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing microwave

• cosmic microwave background
• microwave oven

Rhymes for microwave

• aftershave
• architrave
• autoclave
• misbehave
• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave

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 oven

microwave

2 of 2 verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven

microwavable adjective

or microwaveable

ˌmī-krə-ˈwā-və-bəl 

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