heat wave

noun

Synonyms of heat wavenext
: a period of unusually hot weather

Examples of heat wave in a Sentence

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.
America turns 250 this week amid a prolonged and dangerous heat wave. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 Thanks to our heat wave out east, winds over the Pacific Ocean from the northwest have been consistent all week at producing a deep marine layer. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The oppressive heat wave lands at the same time the nation is observing 250 years since our Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026 The jet will fly over the National Mall alongside the Defense Department’s most impressive equipment on Saturday, before the president delivers a speech in what is forecast to be a blistering heat wave. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat wave

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat wave was in 1893

Rhymes for heat wave

See All Rhymes for heat wave

Browse Nearby Words

heat up
heat wave
heaume
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heat wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heat wave

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