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 Towler said that lukewarm enthusiasm for Biden and the party at large could sap traditionally reliable Black turnout with potential consequences for Democratic fortunes — and American democracy — in November. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Just remember to keep the water at a lukewarm temperature.13 Using a thick moisturizer: Since dry skin is one of the most common symptoms of eczema, regular moisturizing may be a powerful tool in your arsenal. Andrea Stanley, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 Seeing the lukewarm uptake of EVs, automakers—especially the ones who also make traditional combustion engine cars, such as Mercedes Benz, Ford and Aston Martin—decided to pull the brakes on EV production till consumers are ready to buy them again. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 4 Mar. 2024 The lukewarm reception to the album’s advance title track didn’t help matters. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2024 Although audiences loved it, some critics were lukewarm on the movie, while others got behind it and Singer. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 After the first accident Jan. 11, due to what authorities said was a defect in the main heating network, the heating batteries inside her apartment went cold, with only lukewarm and intermittent heating in her bathroom and kitchen. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2024 With China’s economy expected to remain lukewarm for now, global businesses will have to adjust their positioning to grab a bigger slice of the market. Ishika Mookerjee, Fortune Asia, 28 Feb. 2024 But South Carolina's Republican voters line up with Trump on having lukewarm feelings about NATO and continued U.S. support for Ukraine, according to AP VoteCast data from Saturday's primary. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lukewarm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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

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