melt·down
ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n 
1
: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2
: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
warning of a stock market meltdown
3
: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)
an exhausted toddler having a meltdown
melted down; melting down; melts down
1
of a nuclear reactor
: to undergo an accidental melting of the core
2
: to experience a very fast collapse or failure
The stock market melted down today.
: to melt (something) so that it can be used for another purpose
melting down gold coins
Synonyms of meltdown
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
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Robby—The Pitt executive producer, writer, director, and star Noah Wyle’s instantly iconic attending physician—is leading his final shift before a three-month leave that sounds like an awfully good idea following his meltdown last season.
—Judy Berman, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
The shorter the line, the less likely there will be a melt down (and melt downs mean having to spend precious time decompressing someplace quiet, or possibly having to end the entire excursion early and going back to the hotel).
—Priscilla Blossom, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
At the end of his first year as CEO, a blizzard known as Winter Storm Elliott triggered an operational meltdown, stranding thousands of Southwest customers at the height of the holiday season, paralyzing the company’s point-to-point network, and plunging the company into a profit-killing crisis.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Robby—The Pitt executive producer, writer, director, and star Noah Wyle’s instantly iconic attending physician—is leading his final shift before a three-month leave that sounds like an awfully good idea following his meltdown last season.
—Judy Berman, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Sidestep a financial wrangle if someone is melting down.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
The shorter the line, the less likely there will be a melt down (and melt downs mean having to spend precious time decompressing someplace quiet, or possibly having to end the entire excursion early and going back to the hotel).
—Priscilla Blossom, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
Cite this Entry
“Meltdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meltdown. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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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