defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst 

ˈdē-ˌfrȯst

defrosted; defrosting; defrosts

transitive verb

1

: to release from a frozen state

defrost meat

2

a

: to free from ice

defrost a refrigerator/freezer

b

: to clear (a window or windshield) with a vehicle's defroster

defrost a windshield to clear it of ice and condensation

intransitive verb

: to thaw out especially from a deep-frozen state

Examples of defrost in a Sentence

You can defrost the soup in the microwave.

Has the refrigerator defrosted yet?

Recent Examples on the Web

The best way to remove ice from your car windshield is by turning it on and setting the heater to defrost. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Jan. 2026

Turn on the engine and set the climate system to defrost, directing warm air to the windshield and rear window. —Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026

Icings made with egg whites can also separate and weep when defrosted. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026

If using in egg dishes, defrost or sauté them separately for their best texture. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for defrost

• accost
• crisscrossed
• embossed
• exhaust
• recrossed
• uncrossed
• bossed
• cost
• crossed
• dost
• glossed
• lost

Kids Definition

defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst 

ˈdē-

1

: to free from a frozen state : thaw out

defrost meat

2

: to free from ice

defrost a refrigerator

3

: to remove fog or condensed moisture from

defrost the windshield