die Hitzewelle, -n
heatwave
Definition & meaning
Hitzewelle means heatwave: a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures, usually affecting a large region and often lasting several days.
It can also be used more figuratively for an intense, overwhelming surge of heat, though the meteorological meaning is by far the most common.
- die Hitzewelle — the heatwave
- die Hitzewellen — the heatwaves
Grammar & Word origin
The compound therefore literally means “wave of heat.” The noun is formed from Hitze and Welle , with the feminine gender inherited from Welle .
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- die Hitzewelle — the standard and most precise term for a heatwave.
- die Hitzeperiode — a period of heat; this is more neutral and emphasizes the duration rather than the sudden “wave” effect.
- die extreme Hitze — extreme heat; this describes the intensity but does not necessarily imply a sustained period.
- die Gluthitze — scorching or blazing heat; this is more expressive and can describe a very hot situation without referring to an official heatwave.
Antonyms
There is no exact single-word antonym. Depending on the intended contrast, possible opposites include:
- die Kälte — cold; the general opposite of heat.
- die Kältewelle — cold wave; structurally and meteorologically the closest opposite.
- die Abkühlung — cooling; this refers to a decrease in temperature, often following a heatwave.
Common phrases & collocations
- eine Hitzewelle kommt — a heatwave is coming
- eine Hitzewelle erreicht eine Region — a heatwave reaches a region
- eine Hitzewelle hält an — a heatwave continues
- unter einer Hitzewelle leiden — to suffer from a heatwave
- eine Hitzewelle überstehen — to get through a heatwave
- anhaltende Hitzewelle — prolonged heatwave
- extreme Hitzewelle — extreme heatwave
- sommerliche Hitzewelle — summer heatwave
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Examples
Die Hitzewelle ist sehr stark in diesem Sommer.noun
The heatwave is very strong this summer.
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