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.
Some people have mood swings, headaches, nausea or hot flashes. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 AbCellera Biologics — Shares soared 43% after the biotech company reported strong Phase 2 clinical results for its medication to treat hot flashes caused by menopause. Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Anxiety, panic attacks and depression were cited as the most impactful symptoms with women stating that brain fog and sleep disruptions affected them more than hot flashes. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 7 Aug. 2026 Certain types of antidepressants can reduce hot flash frequency and severity. Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20flash. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster