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
He has already seen a surge in patients complaining of respiratory tract illnesses - “particularly worrying because we have not yet seen our first cold wave of the winter season”.
From BBC • Nov. 8, 2024
The team observed that the internal circulation along the East Coast within the East Sea was influenced by the Arctic cold wave.
From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 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
“I dunno,” I mumble, feeling a cold wave of disloyalty wash over me.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
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.
