hot flash

noun

: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance

called also hot flush

Examples of hot flash 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.
In 2025, nearly half of American women between 40 and 60 reported at least one symptom of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, or night sweats. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026 The site lists fatigue, mood changes, hot flashes, sleep trouble, erectile dysfunction, weight gain and bone loss as possible side effects. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The doctor's group, known as ACOG, recommends hormone replacement therapy alongside certain antidepressants, nonhormonal medicines, and other treatments to address symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings. — Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 Those hormone drops result in hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot flash

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot flash was in 1907

Rhymes for hot flash

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Browse Nearby Words

hotel rack
hot flash
hotfoot
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Cite this Entry

“Hot flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20flash. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hot flash

noun
: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance

called also hot flush

More from Merriam-Webster on hot flash

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hot flash

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