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

This mode is designed for roasting vegetables, cooking cheese fondue, and a variety of meats – quick and efficient for preparing shareable dishes for dinner parties. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026

If the fondue starts seizing, simply reheat it on the stove or add a little boiling water to the mix. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

Neither does Nina’s side hustle as a food columnist, a promising subplot that disappears faster than a bread cube drowning in a cheese fondue. —Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Brats and beer are the power couple here, and the Bavarian comfort food also includes giant pretzels to dunk in cheddar fondue and spätzles. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 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