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 resort still charms visitors with a taste of Austria, including its on-site von Trapp Brewery and Alpine-style cheese fondue. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026

Or, as a cook’s treat, dip crust pieces of bread into it for an impromptu fondue situation. — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 June 2026

If you're done with dinner but not yet ready to head home, climb the stairs to My New Joint—a cocktail lounge, tapas bar, and music venue—for freshly shucked oysters from the east and west coasts of the USA, an adult beverage (or three), and a menu of salads, fondues, and desserts. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Designed for sharing and connection at the table, the Big Night Out experience includes cheese fondue paired with artisan breads and fresh dippers, a salad course, premium entrée fondue and a chocolate fondue finale served with sweet treats and fresh fruit. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026

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