fusion

noun

fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhᵊn How to pronounce fusion (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of fusionnext
1
: the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat
2
: a union by or as if by melting: such as
a
: a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole
Opera is a fusion of several arts.
b
: a political partnership : coalition
… a fusion of Democrats and independent Republicans …New York Times
c
: popular music combining different styles (such as jazz and rock)
d
: food prepared using techniques and ingredients of two or more ethnic or regional cuisines
a restaurant that specializes in Japanese-Peruvian fusion

called also fusion cuisine

3
: the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite
nuclear fusion

Examples of fusion in a Sentence

a fusion of different methods a fusion of musical styles The show is a fusion of news and entertainment. The fusion of different cultural influences is evident in her sculpture.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fueling the fusion breakthrough While much of the energy industry remains focused on traditional fission, EnergyX is placing a heavy emphasis on the burgeoning fusion sector. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 Dishes on Maya’s main menu include classic Mexican favorites, Mexican fusion such as birria ramen and egg rolls, and a wide selection of seafood options. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Their menu centers around fresh, local ingredients, while dishes often feature an Asian-fusion spin. Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026 In the past, Cooper — who seems to have finally reconciled with his wife, Barb (Frances Turner) — devises a plan to stop the ongoing wars over power with Congresswoman Welch to get the cold fusion diode into the hands of the President of the United States (played by series newcomer Clancy Brown). Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fusion

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin fūsiōn-, fūsiō "process of pouring, casting of molten metal," going back to Latin, "process of pouring, effusion," from fud-, variant stem of fundere "to pour, shed, cast (liquid metal)" (Medieval Latin also, "to melt down, make liquid") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at found entry 5

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fusion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fusion. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

fusion

noun
fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce fusion (audio)
1
: the act or process of melting or making fluid by heat
2
: union by or as if by melting
3
: the union of light atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy

Medical Definition

fusion

noun
fu·​sion ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce fusion (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the act or process of liquefying or rendering plastic by heat
b
: the liquid or plastic state induced by heat
2
: a union by or as if by melting together: as
a
: a merging of diverse elements into a unified whole
specifically : the blending of retinal images in binocular vision
b
: a combination of ingredients achieved by heating and mixing together
c
(1)
: a blend of sensations, perceptions, ideas, or attitudes such that the component elements can seldom be identified by introspective analysis
(2)
: the perception of light from a source that is intermittent above a critical frequency as if the source were continuous

called also flicker fusion

compare flicker
d
: the surgical immobilization of a joint see spinal fusion
3
: the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite

called also nuclear fusion

fusional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fusion

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