melanoma

noun

mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌme-lə-ˈnō-mə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
plural melanomas also melanomata ˌme-lə-ˈnō-mə-tə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
1
: a tumor containing dark pigment
2
: a highly malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely

Examples of melanoma in a Sentence

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.
Melanoma has risen over the years According to the National Cancer Institute, melanoma of the skin is the fifth-most common cancer in the U.S. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer caused by prolonged exposure to direct and indirect sunlight (such as tanning beds). Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 June 2025 Mellencamp confirmed she had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in April after her melanoma metastasized to her brain and lungs. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 20 June 2025 But the 43-year-old has been stuck in a different way these last few months, in the fight of her life amid a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis. David Oliver, USA Today, 7 May 2025 The brain and lungs are the most common sites of metastasis for melanoma, experts confirmed. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for melanoma

Word History

Etymology

melan- (in melanosis, melanotic) + -oma

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melanoma was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Melanoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanoma. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

melanoma

noun
mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌmel-ə-ˈnō-mə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
plural melanomas also melanomata -mət-ə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
: a usually malignant tumor containing dark pigment

Medical Definition

melanoma

noun
mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌmel-ə-ˈnō-mə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
plural melanomas also melanomata -mət-ə How to pronounce melanoma (audio)
1
: a benign or malignant skin tumor containing dark pigment
2
: a tumor of high malignancy that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely

called also malignant melanoma, melanocarcinoma, melanoepithelioma, melanosarcoma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!