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
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 2 Apr. 2025
The fat content supports brain development and keeps kids full longer (a.k.a. fewer post-snack meltdowns).
—Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
Biden’s actions kicked off a yearslong border crisis which melted down the emergency resources of border towns and caused New York’s mayor to prophesy the destruction of his city’s finances.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
But a weak edge control formula can make or break this step, causing flaking, a midday meltdown, or worse, drying out your edges.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 2 Apr. 2025
The fat content supports brain development and keeps kids full longer (a.k.a. fewer post-snack meltdowns).
—Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
Needless to say, the right-wing internet melted down about her performance immediately.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
Biden’s actions kicked off a yearslong border crisis which melted down the emergency resources of border towns and caused New York’s mayor to prophesy the destruction of his city’s finances.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Mar. 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 12 Apr. 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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