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

Brewing tea in the microwave may increase the release of microplastics from the tea bag. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Jan. 2025

After a four-and-a-half minute stint in the microwave, the label tells you to stir the protein and veggies into the sauce. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

If bottles of fake pre-ban absinthe can be produced (perhaps by adding oak chips to modern absinthe and microwaving it) and then used to fill old bottles sourced via internet sales, the potential for unscrupulous profits is huge. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Simply mix the lemon and water in the mug, then microwave the mug and mixture for a couple of minutes. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

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