melt·down
ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n 
1
: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2
: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
warning of a stock market meltdown
3
: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)
an exhausted toddler having a meltdown
melted down; melting down; melts down
1
of a nuclear reactor
: to undergo an accidental melting of the core
2
: to experience a very fast collapse or failure
The stock market melted down today.
: to melt (something) so that it can be used for another purpose
melting down gold coins
Synonyms of meltdown
Examples of meltdown in a Sentence
Noun
fears that an accident could cause meltdown
a company experiencing financial meltdown
After a long day at the beach, our toddler had a major meltdown in the car on the way home.
Verb
rather than melt down, the team strengthened their resolve and ended up winning the game
Recent Examples on the Web
John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Though the two are poised to be forever tied and compared to one another based on the stunning trade and public relations meltdown that occurred afterwards, neither rookie appeared interested in playing into any sort of imagined feud.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Many original prints were later lost, particularly during World War I, when film materials were melted down for their silver and celluloid content.
—Ryan Brennan
april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
When the subprime meltdown hit in 2008, the state budget was slashed from $103 billion in fiscal 2007-08 to $91 billion the next year.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Though the two are poised to be forever tied and compared to one another based on the stunning trade and public relations meltdown that occurred afterwards, neither rookie appeared interested in playing into any sort of imagined feud.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
Few expected this outcome, since the ornate helmet in particular would have been virtually unsellable without being melted down.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Many original prints were later lost, particularly during World War I, when film materials were melted down for their silver and celluloid content.
—Ryan Brennan
april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
Cite this Entry
“Meltdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meltdown. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
meltdown
noun
melt·down
ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n
1
: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2
: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
a financial meltdown
3
: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)
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