microwave

1 of 3

noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
Synonyms of microwavenext
often attributive
1
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
: microwave oven

microwave

2 of 3

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable
ˌmī-krō-ˈwā-və-bəl How to pronounce microwave (audio)

microwavable

3 of 3

adjective

mi·​cro·​wav·​able
variants or microwaveable
¦mīkrō¦wāvəbəl How to pronounce microwavable (audio)
-krə¦-
: suitable for preparation in a microwave oven
also : capable of being safely used in a microwave oven
microwavable plates

Examples of microwave in a Sentence

Noun The apartment came with a microwave. Verb microwave a bowl of soup
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.
Noun
According to the researchers, future development will focus on improving energy beam control while reducing the size and cost of high-power microwave systems. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Boxes contain six instant packets that can be prepared with hot water or in the microwave. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
Potatoes that have been boiled, baked, or microwaved have less resistant starch than those that have been cooked and then chilled (as in potato salad). — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 26 June 2026 Following a viral social media trend that encouraged children to microwave their NeeDoh toys, Schylling added several safety warnings to all its packaging. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for microwave

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microwave was in 1931

Phrases Containing microwave

Rhymes for microwave

See All Rhymes for microwave

Browse Nearby Words

microwavable
microwave
microwave background
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microwave. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

microwave

1 of 2 noun
mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
1
: a radio wave between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
: microwave oven

microwave

2 of 2 verb
: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable
ˌmī-krə-ˈwā-və-bəl How to pronounce microwave (audio)

Medical Definition

microwave

noun
mi·​cro·​wave -ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
often attributive
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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