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
Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
D’Amaro has weathered a few bumps in his initial weeks on the job, however, among them the Bachelor meltdown, new attacks on Jimmy Kimmel, layoffs and the demise of a deal with OpenAI that was made on Iger’s watch.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
This is a rematch of the Patriots’ wild-card round win over the Chargers, when Justin Herbert melted down against New England’s defense.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
Last postseason became completely overshadowed by technical fouls, free throw disparities, suspensions and public meltdowns from coaches and players.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
D’Amaro has weathered a few bumps in his initial weeks on the job, however, among them the Bachelor meltdown, new attacks on Jimmy Kimmel, layoffs and the demise of a deal with OpenAI that was made on Iger’s watch.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Verb
What beef tallow is and how it’s made Beef tallow is a white, shelf-stable cooking fat made by rendering — or melting down — the fatty tissue that surrounds a cow’s organs, according to Michelle Crouch at AARP.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
This is a rematch of the Patriots’ wild-card round win over the Chargers, when Justin Herbert melted down against New England’s defense.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 14 May 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 20 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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