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 Zeiss Dry Eye Relief Warm Eye Mask is single-use and self-heating, providing gentle warmth for at least 15 minutes without a microwave. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The kitchen is wider and more open, and equipped with a sink, an induction cooktop, a fridge/freezer, a microwave, and a dishwasher. — New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026 Fresh pumpkin puree is easy to make by roasting or microwaving pie pumpkins; store puree in the fridge for 3 days. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 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 14 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on microwave

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for microwave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about microwave

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