microwave

1 of 2

noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv 

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 

Examples of microwave in a Sentence

Noun

The apartment came with a microwave.

Verb

microwave a bowl of soup

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Reheat leftover scalloped potatoes in the microwave or transfer to a baking dish and bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F until hot all the way through. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

Gulab jamun are ridiculously good cold out of the fridge, at room temperature, or after being warmed up in the microwave for 30 seconds. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024

Verb

Certain prepared foods or meals can be microwaved directly from the freezer without prior defrosting. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024

The technologists adapted, by combining the microwave with other heat sources so that the food didn’t feel microwaved. —Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1973, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing microwave

• cosmic microwave background
• microwave oven

Kids Definition

microwave

1 of 2 noun

mi·​cro·​wave ˈmī-krō-ˌwāv 

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 

Medical Definition

microwave

noun

mi·​cro·​wave -ˌwāv 

often attributive

: a comparatively short electromagnetic wave

especially : one between about 1 millimeter and 1 meter in wavelength