heat wave

noun

Definition of heat wavenext
as in dog days

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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.
Recent Examples of heat wave Multiple temperature records have been shattered, and an intense marine heat wave has been churning since last December — making our typical high tides even higher — El Niño notwithstanding. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 One week ago, a heat wave of record-proportions was bearing down on California. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Large-scale warming from El Nino and a large marine heat wave off the California coast, amplified by climate change, have also affected coastal conditions and marine life since last year. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 There's light at the end of the tunnel for Southern California's atypical October heat wave as temperatures will begin to drop — albeit slowly — on Wednesday and into the rest of the work week. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat wave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heat wave
heat
Noun
  • Russia has used attacks on energy facilities in order to deny Ukrainian civilians power, heat and running water during the war, hoping to wear down public support for Ukraine's response to Moscow's full-scale invasion.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Hacking palm trees In blazing midday tropical heat, Katie Baur saws the trunk of a young coconut palm.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of heat

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heat-treats
heat wave
heave
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Cite this Entry

“Heat wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heat%20wave. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heat wave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heat wave

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