melt·down
ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n 
1
: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor
2
: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
3
: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)
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
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
In the weeks after Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota’s touchdown pass to himself symbolized another signature postseason meltdown, Riggle emceed the NFL Honors banquet at which Mariota was among those being recognized.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
This week’s episode tackles the minefield of casting, as execs melt down over the racial politics of casting their absurd Kool-Aid tentpole.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
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.
Noun
But even after entering the fourth ahead by nine, the Sun nearly had another late meltdown.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
In the weeks after Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota’s touchdown pass to himself symbolized another signature postseason meltdown, Riggle emceed the NFL Honors banquet at which Mariota was among those being recognized.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Verb
Continue reading … ‘HAWKING IT’ – 'The View' melts down over Biden book, hosts deflect by slamming Trump.
—FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
This week’s episode tackles the minefield of casting, as execs melt down over the racial politics of casting their absurd Kool-Aid tentpole.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for meltdown
Cite this Entry
“Meltdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meltdown. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share