defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
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
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.
Pets would defrost and decompose. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 Then when the occasion comes for a breakfast casserole, just defrost in the fridge overnight, and then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 Frozen avocado can be added directly to smoothies and blended soups or can be defrosted to use in guacamole and dishes like avocado toast. Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Oct. 2025 Queen Bakery and Sweets 4107 N. Cherry St. 7 critical violations for a Sept. 9 routine inspection At this Northland Middle Eastern restaurant, three lamb legs were defrosting on top of the freezer. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defrost

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defrost was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defrost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defrost. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

defrost

verb
de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on defrost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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