defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-ˌfrȯst
defrosted; defrosting; defrosts

transitive verb

1
: to release from a frozen state
defrost meat
2
a
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator/freezer
b
: to clear (a window or windshield) with a vehicle's defroster
defrost a windshield to clear it of ice and condensation

intransitive verb

: to thaw out especially from a deep-frozen state

Examples of defrost in a Sentence

You can defrost the soup in the microwave. Has the refrigerator defrosted yet?
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.
Suddenly defrosted disputes can impose a range of costs on neighboring or even far-flung countries: waves of refugees, trade disruptions, economic shocks, civilian casualties. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 The wet brine should help ensure the turkey is defrosted, and can be transported to a campsite or patio in a small cooler or lidded five-gallon bucket. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024 Follow your microwave's defrosting instructions based on weight, which typically calls for using a low power setting to avoid partially cooking the outer layers. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024 This one comes with four slots, and presets for things like bagels, defrosting, reheating. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defrost 

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defrost was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near defrost

Cite this Entry

“Defrost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defrost. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

defrost

verb
de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-
1
: to free from a frozen state : thaw out
defrost meat
2
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator
3
: to remove fog or condensed moisture from
defrost the windshield

More from Merriam-Webster on defrost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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