melt·down
ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n 
1
: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2
: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
3
: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)
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
Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
Cryer is similarly observant toward Sheen’s extended public meltdown, an early inflection point in the social media era in which onlookers got an exhilarating blow-by-blow of one man’s downward spiral.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Miami melted down from there with a false start penalty, a delay of game, an incompletion, short pass and two sacks.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
Our hearts go out to his family, but this should not have become a springboard for hysteria, partisanship, and meltdown.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
Cryer is similarly observant toward Sheen’s extended public meltdown, an early inflection point in the social media era in which onlookers got an exhilarating blow-by-blow of one man’s downward spiral.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The secret is melting down pink Himalayan salt to combine it with maple syrup.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Miami melted down from there with a false start penalty, a delay of game, an incompletion, short pass and two sacks.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
Cite this Entry
“Meltdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meltdown. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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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