preheat

verb

pre·​heat (ˌ)prē-ˈhēt How to pronounce preheat (audio)
preheated; preheating; preheats

transitive verb

: to heat (something) beforehand
especially : to heat (an oven) to a designated temperature before using for cooking
preheater noun

Examples of preheat in a Sentence

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees before you put the roast in.
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.
This can also quickly cook your food without the need to preheat, saving plenty of time for busy people. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 The blanket heats up quickly, so there's no need to preheat. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025 While the oven preheats, boil some water in a large pot and cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025 When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375℉, and let lasagna stand at room temperature while oven preheats. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preheat

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preheat was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preheat. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

preheat

verb
pre·​heat (ˈ)prē-ˈhēt How to pronounce preheat (audio)
: to heat beforehand
preheat the oven to 400 degrees

More from Merriam-Webster on preheat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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