microwave

American  

[mahy-kroh-weyv] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌweɪv /

noun

1. an electromagnetic wave of extremely high frequency, 1 GH 3 or more, and having wavelengths of from 1 millimeter to 30 centimeters.

2. microwave oven.

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verb (used without object)

microwaved, microwaving

1. to use a microwave oven.

verb (used with object)

microwaved, microwaving

1. to cook, defrost, or otherwise prepare in a microwave oven.

microwave British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌweɪv /

noun

1. 1. electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 0.3 to 0.001 metres: used in radar, cooking, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      microwave generator

2. short for microwave oven

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verb

1. to cook in a microwave oven

microwave Scientific  

/ mī′krō-wāv′ /

1. An electromagnetic wave with a frequency in the range of 100 megahertz to 30 gigahertz (lower than infrared but higher than other radio waves). Microwaves are used in radar, radio transmission, cooking, and other applications. Microwaves are generated naturally by many astronomical phenomena and are found in cosmic background radiation.

2. See more at electromagnetic spectrum

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Other Word Forms

• microwaveable adjective

Etymology

Origin of microwave

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + wave

Explanation

A microwave is a small oven that cooks or heats food very quickly. Instead of the electric or gas heat that a regular oven uses, a microwave heats with electromagnetic radiation. While the heat of a regular oven (or a small toaster oven) surrounds your food and cooks it from the outside, with the heat working its way in, a microwave's radiation cooks most food from the inside out. Its radiation, or waves, penetrate the food and heat up any moisture inside it. These waves are themselves called microwaves because they're short (and micro- means "small"), similar to radio waves.

Example Sentences

“The kitchen is appointed with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, an 8-burner Forno range, Wolf microwave, and marble countertops,” adds the listing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Eleven U.S. innovations, such as cornflakes, the implantable pacemaker and the microwave, were born from accidental discoveries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are studying how microwave frying can improve the way French fries are made.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Their findings suggest that combining traditional frying with microwave heating may reduce oil absorption while maintaining the crispy texture people expect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

I set the plate in the microwave again.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• bake
• zap