melt

1 of 3

verb

ˈmelt 

melted; melting; melts

intransitive verb

1

: to become altered from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat

The ice slowly melted.

2

a

: dissolve, disintegrate

the sugar melted in the coffee

b

: to disappear as if by dissolving

her anger melted at his kind words

3

obsolete : to become subdued or crushed (as by sorrow)

4

: to become mild, tender, or gentle

5

: to lose outline or distinctness : blend

transitive verb

1

: to reduce from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat

Melt the butter in the pan.

2

: to cause to disappear or disperse

The sight of the opposition melted their resolve.

3

: to make tender or gentle : soften

His heart melted with compassion.

meltability

ˌmel-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

meltable

ˈmel-tə-bəl 

adjective

melter noun

melt

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

a

: material in the molten state

b

: the mass melted at a single operation or the quantity melted during a specified period

2

a

: the action or process of melting or the period during which it occurs

the spring melt

b

: the condition of being melted

3

: a sandwich with melted cheese

a tuna melt

melt

3 of 3

noun (2)

: spleen

especially : spleen of slaughtered animals for use as feed or food

Synonyms of melt

Verb

• disappear
• vanish
• fade

Examples of melt in a Sentence

Verb

The butter melted in the frying pan.

The snow is finally melting.

She melted butter in the frying pan.

a tablespoon of melted butter

Their determination melted in the face of opposition.

She melted at his kindly words.

Her heart melted with compassion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Chocolate Frosting For chocolate frosting, in a medium saucepan heat salted butter and unsweetened chocolate, cut up, over low until melted. —Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026

The heat will melt the West’s already well-below-average snowpack, raising concerns for spring and summer water resources and a potentially severe wildfire season. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026

Noun

True to its name, the Butter Melt Bronzer glides on like butter and melts seamlessly into skin, delivering a silky-smooth finish that never veers cakey, muddy, or heavy on dry skin. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026

If the snowpack melts too fast, the surge of water can overwhelm rivers and infrastructure, leading to flooding and water supply shortages later in the season. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English meltan; akin to Old Norse melta to digest, Greek meldein to melt — more at mollify

Noun (2)

Middle English milte, from Old English; akin to Old High German miltzi spleen

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing melt

• butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
• hot-melt
• melt down
• melt in one's mouth
• melt into
• melt one's heart

Rhymes for melt

• belt
• celt
• dealt
• dwelt
• felt
• knelt
• pelt
• smelt
• spelt
• veldt
• welt
• heartfelt

Kids Definition

melt

1 of 2 verb

ˈmelt 

1

: to change from a solid to a liquid state usually through heat

melt butter

snow melts

2

: dissolve sense 1

the sugar melted in the coffee

3

: to grow less : disappear

clouds melting away

4

: to make or become gentle : soften

a warm smile melts the heart

5

: to lose clear outline or shape : blend, merge

melter noun

melt

2 of 2 noun

: a melted substance