microwave

1 of 2

noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv 

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 2

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven

microwavable adjective

or microwaveable

ˌmī-krō-ˈwā-və-bəl 

Examples of microwave in a Sentence

Noun

The apartment came with a microwave.

Verb

microwave a bowl of soup

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 15-second intervals until smooth. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 13 Feb. 2025

The units at Bryan Flats come fully furnished with a bed, chair, mini fridge and microwave — all fitting into less than 300 square foot studio units. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

Lemon and Water: Slice a lemon in half, place it in a bowl with water, and microwave it for five minutes. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Just microwave a bag for two minutes and enjoy it as a low-calorie, high-protein snack. —Michiko Tomioka, Contributor, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing microwave

• cosmic microwave background
• microwave oven

Kids Definition

microwave

1 of 2 noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv 

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 

Medical Definition

microwave

noun

mi·​cro·​wave -ˌwāv 

often attributive

: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave

especially : one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength