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.
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 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 As a potentially historic heat wave hits Philadelphia, many fans made cooling off their first priority during Wednesday's Phillies game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Eva Andersen, CBS News, 2 July 2026 Don’t be surprised if this decision becomes an increasing burden on FIFA as the tournament continues, particularly if another heat wave returns to the Northeast in the middle of the month, a very reasonable possibility. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 2 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20wave. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

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