heat dome

noun

plural heat domes
: a large weather pattern characterized by high atmospheric pressure that collects and holds an unusual amount of heat over a particular area

Examples of heat dome 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.
Together, these effects have set the stage for the fierce summers, destructive wildfires, and suffocating heat domes that now threaten Europe’s health, culture, and economy. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Now another one — growing into the strongest heat dome on the planet this weekend — will tower above the United States, and this time it will be centered in the South. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026 More than 100 million people in over 15 states are under heat alerts on Thursday as a heat dome remains parked over the country's Mid-South region. — Michelle Simmons, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 The reality of this extreme heat was experienced through three separate heat dome events, with several states, including Idaho, Utah, and Montana setting all time temperature records on July 12. — Simmone Shah, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat dome

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat dome was in 1985

Rhymes for heat dome

See All Rhymes for heat dome

Browse Nearby Words

heat devil
heat dome
heated
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Cite this Entry

“Heat dome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20dome. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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