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

Examples of preheat in a Sentence

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees before you put the roast in.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The riskiest habit is preheating an empty nonstick pan on high heat. Ryan Brennan june 2, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 For many recipes, preheating your skillet can help prevent sticking and encourage browning. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 The biggest mistake is preheating an empty nonstick pan. Ryan Brennan june 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 Once the oven is preheated, remove the biscuits from the refrigerator and brush each biscuit with buttermilk. Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preheat

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preheat was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preheat. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

preheat

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

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