cold wave
Americannoun
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Meteorology. a rapid and considerable drop in temperature, usually affecting a large area.
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a permanent wave in the hair set by special chemical solutions without the aid of any heating device.
noun
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meteorol a sudden spell of low temperatures over a wide area, often following the passage of a cold front
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hairdressing a permanent wave made by chemical agents applied at normal temperatures
Etymology
Origin of cold wave
First recorded in 1875–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The president repeated his earlier remarks when speaking to reporters Monday: “I did call up President Putin and he’s agreed…They have the same cold wave that we do.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
A notable example is the costly February 2021 cold wave that blanketed nearly the entire country.
From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024
The cold wave has also been causing health issues, especially in Delhi, which also sees severe pollution levels during winter months.
From BBC • Jan. 2, 2024
He said time will tell whether what is happening this week is indeed a heat wave as it is likely to be interrupted with the arrival of a cold wave in a few days.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2023
“You didn’t know what a cold wave is?” she says, delighted.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
