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.
Last summer's heat waves and drought may affect blooms this year, including the potential for reduced flowering. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 The study kicked off in 2015 during a prolonged marine heat wave that disrupted foraging conditions across the Pacific, providing a special opportunity to examine how whales respond to environmental stress. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 Letter carriers are expected to deliver in record breaking heat waves and freezing temperatures, often without adequate protections or breaks. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 The survey, released Friday from The Associated Press/NORC Research Center, found that over the last five years, about half of the public reported being affected by extreme heat waves or cold weather. Sophia Vento, The Hill, 1 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun
: a period of unusually hot weather

More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

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