in heat

Idioms  

1. In a state of sexual excitement immediately preceding ovulation. For example, Our cat's in heat so we have to keep her inside. This expression applies to most female mammals and indicates the period when the animal is fertile and most receptive to mating. [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in heat

A hurricane is an engine that pulls in heat and is rotated by wind.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

These cables are made of metal, which expands in heat, causing the lines to droop.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

This means the body will not be able to cool down in between daytime spikes in heat.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

"It is worrying, because it's ... very hard watching older people in heat, like suffering a lot," said Renata Stankeviciute, 43, a Lithuanian chef living in London.

From Barron's ● May 26, 2026

“Her mom invented this recyclable paper coffee cup that holds in heat but keeps the outside from burning your hand.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

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