microwave

1 of 2

noun

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

microwave

2 of 2

verb

microwaved; microwaving; microwaves

transitive verb

: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable

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
Items like alarm clocks and stereos in working condition are often fair game, but televisions and microwaves, for example, are not. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025 Heat the mixture in the microwave for a minute, then let your jewelry soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
Microwave this chocolate mixture for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for 15-second intervals until mixture is fully melted and smooth, stirring between each. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 Simply mix the lemon and water in the mug, then microwave the mug and mixture for a couple of minutes. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Microwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microwave. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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

2 of 2 verb
: to cook or heat in a microwave oven
microwavable adjective
or microwaveable

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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