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
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
The eighth-inning meltdown spoiled the Angels’ good work against Skubal, who came into the game with a 2.18 ERA.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025
Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
But the freedom only goes so far — the robot must hide its true nature, lest it get melted down like so much scrap metal.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Noun
Among the historic market meltdowns during these months were two in September—1998’s collapse of Long-Term Capital Management and 2008’s Lehman Brothers bankruptcy—and two in October—1987’s Black Monday stock market crash and 1997’s Asian financial crisis.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
The eighth-inning meltdown spoiled the Angels’ good work against Skubal, who came into the game with a 2.18 ERA.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Guard in 1992 arrived in a city that had melted down: More than 60 people died, 1,000 buildings burned and unrest stretched from City Hall to Hollywood, with whole swaths of South Los Angeles torn to shreds.
—Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
But the freedom only goes so far — the robot must hide its true nature, lest it get melted down like so much scrap metal.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 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 21 Aug. 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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