melt

1 of 3

verb

ˈmelt 

melted; melting; melts

intransitive verb

1

: to become altered from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat

2

a

: dissolve, disintegrate

the sugar melted in the coffee

b

: to disappear as if by dissolving

her anger melted at his kind words

3

obsolete : to become subdued or crushed (as by sorrow)

4

: to become mild, tender, or gentle

5

: to lose outline or distinctness : blend

transitive verb

1

: to reduce from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat

2

: to cause to disappear or disperse

3

: to make tender or gentle : soften

meltability

ˌmel-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

meltable

ˈmel-tə-bəl 

adjective

melter noun

melt

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

a

: material in the molten state

b

: the mass melted at a single operation or the quantity melted during a specified period

2

a

: the action or process of melting or the period during which it occurs

the spring melt

b

: the condition of being melted

3

: a sandwich with melted cheese

a tuna melt

melt

3 of 3

noun (2)

: spleen

especially : spleen of slaughtered animals for use as feed or food

Synonyms

Verb

• dematerialize
• disappear
• dissolve
• evanesce
• evaporate
• fade
• flee
• fly
• sink
• vanish

Examples of melt in a Sentence

Verb

The butter melted in the frying pan.

The snow is finally melting.

She melted butter in the frying pan.

a tablespoon of melted butter

Their determination melted in the face of opposition.

She melted at his kindly words.

Her heart melted with compassion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This process melts areas of ice, incorporates oxygen into the water and allows more light to penetrate, promoting photosynthesis and further oxygen production. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

In a cast iron skillet, melt butter and brown sugar together. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

For the cheese, sharp white cheddar works well for a rich, savory melt. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Scientists have recently warned that melt might be just one of our concerns as megatsunami waves can give 330-ft-plus (100-m-plus) rise to the ocean in a matter of minutes. —New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English meltan; akin to Old Norse melta to digest, Greek meldein to melt — more at mollify

Noun (2)

Middle English milte, from Old English; akin to Old High German miltzi spleen

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing melt

• butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
• hot-melt
• melt down
• melt in one's mouth
• melt into
• melt one's heart

Kids Definition

melt

1 of 2 verb

ˈmelt 

1

: to change from a solid to a liquid state usually through heat

melt butter

snow melts

2

: dissolve sense 1

the sugar melted in the coffee

3

: to grow less : disappear

clouds melting away

4

: to make or become gentle : soften

a warm smile melts the heart

5

: to lose clear outline or shape : blend, merge

melter noun

melt

2 of 2 noun

: a melted substance