ra·di·ate
ˈrā-dē-ˌāt 
radiated; radiating
1
: to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center
2
: to send out rays : shine brightly
3
a
: to issue in or as if in rays
b
: to evolve by adaptive radiation
1
: to send out in or as if in rays
2
3
: to spread abroad or around as if from a center
radiately
adverb
Examples of radiate in a Sentence
Verb
The pain was radiating down my arm.
The sun radiates heat and light.
Heat radiates from the sun.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
Blue tangs radiate different colors, depending on their moods.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Tuesday morning will be a tad colder, thanks to light winds and efficient radiational cooling, which occurs when clear skies allow surface heat to radiate back into the atmosphere, cooling temperatures even further.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
While technically hosted in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium, the energy of this massive global sporting event radiates throughout the entire Bay Area, making San Francisco the central hub for festivities, parties, and fan experiences.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
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Verb
An ice dam occurs when the snow piled on your roof begins to melt from the sun or the heat radiating from your home.
—Cite this Entry
“Radiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Medical Definition
radiate
1 of 2 verb
ra·di·ate
ˈrād-ē-ˌāt
radiated; radiating
: to issue in or as if in rays : spread from a central point
back pain radiating to both upper legs—Tony Miksanek
radiate
2 of 2 adjective
ra·di·ate
ˈrād-ē-ət, -ē-ˌāt
1
: having rays or radial parts
2
: characterized by radial symmetry : radially symmetrical
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