heat wave

noun

: 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.
The lawsuits seek money to help communities cope with the risks and harms from global warming, including more extreme storms, floods and heat waves. Michael Copley, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025 And the entire North Pacific Ocean Basin is involved in the current marine heat wave, standing out starkly on weather maps. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025 Moreover, stagnant air during heat waves traps pollutants close to the ground, creating prolonged bad air events. Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Out-of-season extremes, like a cold snap in August or a winter heat wave, are catching communities and businesses off guard. Sheri Bachstein, Time, 18 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

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