white-hot

adjective

ˈ(h)wīt-ˈhät

Synonyms of white-hot

: being at or radiating white heat

: extremely hot

: exhibiting or marked by extreme fervor or zeal

white-hot enthusiasm

Examples of white-hot in a Sentence

the molten mass was still white-hot when the glassblower began to work his magic

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.

Opening the entire evening was the white-hot energetic R&B funk of Haircut 100, who recently reunited and released Boxing the Compass, the group’s first new album in over 40 years with singer Nick Heyward. — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Ever since he was called up last week Gasper has been on an absolute tear, and Tuesday night the white-hot Red Sox catcher hit two home runs to help get his club to extra innings. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Incidents like Tony burning his hand on a white-hot skillet — earning his co-workers’ mockery and contempt by asking for burn cream — and witnessing a bride leave her wedding dinner in order to shtup a cook are recreated for maximum effect. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 Sitting at his desk at Covenant Day School about five years ago, Matthew Blong felt a familiar white-hot shame bubble up from his gut. — Devna Bose, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for white-hot

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of white-hot was in 1587

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

white horses

white-hot

White House

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“White-hot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-hot. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

white-hot

adjective

Synonyms of white-hot

Examples of white-hot in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gist

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes