microwave

1 of 2

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 2

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven

microwavable adjective

or microwaveable

ˌmī-krō-ˈwā-və-bəl 

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

Immediately afterward, a second microwave pulse flips the atom into the opposite state, so the superposition that’s flying upward changes into magnetically blind one, and starts falling under gravity with no other forces influencing it. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Similarly, maintaining a certain distance between the router and metal appliances, cordless phone bases, or microwaves can help improve connection. — K.h. Koehler, IndyStar, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

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

The toys may also pose burn hazards, with the possibility of reaching dangerously high temperatures if subjected to high heat, as seen in viral social media trends encouraging children to microwave the toys, the agency said. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, 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