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
Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Apr. 2025
Although the latest trade drama and market meltdown happened in April, after the banks closed the books on the first quarter, the near-daily barrage of tariff headlines has been going on for months.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Needless to say, the right-wing internet melted down about her performance immediately.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
While the stock market was in the midst of yet another meltdown, the normally staid bond market began to gyrate wildly.
—Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Apr. 2025
Although the latest trade drama and market meltdown happened in April, after the banks closed the books on the first quarter, the near-daily barrage of tariff headlines has been going on for months.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Lee also led for the first 36 holes at The PLAYERS Championship, but eventually melted down and finished tied for 20th.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Needless to say, the right-wing internet melted down about her performance immediately.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 24 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 17 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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