microwave

1 of 2

noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
Synonyms of microwavenext
often attributive
1
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
: microwave oven

microwave

2 of 2

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable
ˌmī-krō-ˈwā-və-bəl How to pronounce microwave (audio)

Examples of microwave in a Sentence

Noun The apartment came with a microwave. Verb microwave a bowl of soup
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.
Noun
The work is still at the microwave stage, so researchers must now adapt the concept to the much higher optical frequencies used in real photonic circuits while overcoming challenges such as material losses and large-scale fabrication. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 Some sellers even specialize in liquidation inventory, selling appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, and air fryers that might otherwise end up in landfills. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Apparently, microwaving your tea is a tea-making method that stirs up some heated opinions, although some people still swear by heating water for tea in the microwave. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 In New York’s Floral Park, first responders issued a warning about the trend after two sisters, an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, were left with second- and third-degree burns after microwaving the NeeDoh cubes. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for microwave

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microwave was in 1931

Phrases Containing microwave

Rhymes for microwave

See All Rhymes for microwave

Browse Nearby Words

microwavable
microwave
microwave background
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microwave. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

microwave

1 of 2 noun
mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
1
: a radio wave between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength
2
: microwave oven

microwave

2 of 2 verb
: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable
ˌmī-krə-ˈwā-və-bəl How to pronounce microwave (audio)

Medical Definition

microwave

noun
mi·​cro·​wave -ˌwāv How to pronounce microwave (audio)
often attributive
: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave
especially : one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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