fondue

noun

fon·​due fän-ˈdü 

-ˈdyü, 

ˈfän-ˌd(y)ü

variants or less commonly fondu

1

: a dish similar to a soufflé usually made with cheese and bread crumbs

2

a(1)

: a preparation of melted cheese (such as Swiss cheese and Gruyère) usually flavored with white wine and kirsch

(2)

: a dish that consists of small pieces of food (such as meat or fruit) cooked in or dipped into a hot liquid

beef fondue

chocolate fondue

b

: a chafing dish in which fondue is made

Examples of fondue in a Sentence

dip fruit in melted chocolate to have a chocolate fondue

Recent Examples on the Web

The tiny ravioli are filled with a fondue of Parmigiano Reggiano that's aged for 60 months and explodes in your mouth—made all the more unforgettable with rich Italian butter and fresh truffle. —Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

The rise of this trend for the 2025 holiday season seems in line with this year’s general propensity for bringing back classic and retro themes for hosting and decorating, starting with winter fondue parties and landing us in a cozy plaid Christmas. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

The menu lineup includes soft pretzels and provolone fondue, barbecue pork belly nachos, pork ribs, a grown-up sloppy joe, white truffle deviled eggs, banana-bread french toast, chicken katsu, sushi and more. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025

That good time starts on the ground floor honky-tonk, which leads up to the restaurant, offering dishes like scallops with artichoke fondue. —Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, noun derivative from feminine of fondu, past participle of fondre "to melt," going back to Old French — more at found entry 5

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fondue

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

fondue

noun

fon·​due fän-ˈd(y)ü 

: a preparation of melted cheese and flavorings