lukewarm

adjective

luke·​warm ˈlük-ˈwȯrm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
1
: moderately warm : tepid
a lukewarm bath
lukewarm coffee
2
: lacking conviction : half-hearted
gave them only lukewarm support
a lukewarm review
lukewarm applause
lukewarmly adverb
lukewarmness noun

Examples of lukewarm in a Sentence

I hate drinking lukewarm coffee. Our plan got a lukewarm reception. The producer was lukewarm about her script.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When most of Tammy Faye’s numbers reached their big finishes, the audience around me produced awkward bursts of lukewarm applause. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 Molly Higgins The Best Travel Mugs That Keep Your Coffee Hot and You Happy Goodbye lukewarm beverages. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 6 Nov. 2024 Use lukewarm water with a cup of oatmeal, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 The lukewarm lip service to the Palestinian cause versus the unconditional declaration of support and arms supply to Israel has severely antagonized the Arab-Muslim bloc. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lukewarm 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from luke lukewarm + warm; probably akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm — more at lee

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lukewarm was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lukewarm

Cite this Entry

“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lukewarm. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lukewarm

adjective
luke·​warm ˈlü-ˈkwȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
1
: mildly warm : tepid
a lukewarm bath
2
: not enthusiastic : indifferent
our plan got a lukewarm reception
lukewarmly adverb
lukewarmness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lukewarm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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