preheat

verb

pre·​heat (ˌ)prē-ˈhēt How to pronounce preheat (audio)
preheated; preheating; preheats

transitive verb

: to heat (something) beforehand
especially : to heat (an oven) to a designated temperature before using for cooking
preheater noun

Example Sentences

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees before you put the roast in.
Recent Examples on the Web No suggested temperature setting was given — you are just instructed to preheat the stones for 15 minutes in your oven or on your grill. Rebecca Norris, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2023 While the bacon cooks, preheat a waffle maker to medium-high heat. Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2022 Step 3While bacon cooks, preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 30 July 2022 When you’re read to make your sandwiches, preheat large grill pan over medium-high heat. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2022 In 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven, preheat the olive oil over medium heat. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2023 To keep the latkes warm until they’re all cooked, preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Janelle Bitker, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Nov. 2021 Plus, electric ovens preheat quickly and provide even and consistent heat, which is ideal for anyone who loves to bake. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023 Place the pan in the oven and turn the oven on to 400 F to preheat. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preheat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preheat was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near preheat

Cite this Entry

“Preheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preheat. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

preheat

verb
pre·​heat (ˈ)prē-ˈhēt How to pronounce preheat (audio)
: to heat beforehand
preheat the oven to 400 degrees

More from Merriam-Webster on preheat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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