heat dome

noun

plural heat domes
: a large weather pattern characterized by high atmospheric pressure that collects and holds an unusual amount of heat over a particular area

Examples of heat dome in a Sentence

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.
Just don’t forget the sunscreen — a heat dome is expected to push temperatures close to 100 degrees. — Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 These episodes have been triggered by intense heat domes — stubborn areas of high pressure that lock hot air in place — and are clearly supercharged by global warming, experts say. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 On the technical side, heat domes have fully closed off circulations that dominate the skies completely with the wind moving in a clockwise motion over hundreds or thousands of miles. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 With the Midwest again trapped under a heat dome, with scorching temperatures and sweltering humidity, the lives lost more than 30 years ago have been top of mind for many. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heat dome

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat dome was in 1985

Rhymes for heat dome

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Browse Nearby Words

heat devil
heat dome
heated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heat dome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20dome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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