A1 noun Neutral #1,510 most common

melt

/mɛlt/

The process or period of time when snow and ice turn into liquid water because the weather becomes warmer. It is commonly used to describe the transition from winter to spring.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The big melt started this morning, and now there are puddles everywhere.

The big melt started this morning, and now there are puddles everywhere.

2

Authorities are monitoring the spring melt to prevent potential flooding in the valley.

Authorities are monitoring the spring melt to prevent potential flooding in the valley.

3

We finally got a good melt, so the roads are much safer to drive on.

We finally got a good melt, so the roads are much safer to drive on.

Word Family

Noun
melt
Verb
melt
Adjective
melted
Related
melting
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Mild' — when the weather is 'Mild', the 'Melt' begins.

Quick Quiz

The river is very high today because of the rapid ______ of the snow on the mountains.

Correct!

The correct answer is: melt

Examples

1

The big melt started this morning, and now there are puddles everywhere.

everyday

The big melt started this morning, and now there are puddles everywhere.

2

Authorities are monitoring the spring melt to prevent potential flooding in the valley.

formal

Authorities are monitoring the spring melt to prevent potential flooding in the valley.

3

We finally got a good melt, so the roads are much safer to drive on.

informal

We finally got a good melt, so the roads are much safer to drive on.

4

The rate of the annual glacial melt has increased significantly over the last decade.

academic

The rate of the annual glacial melt has increased significantly over the last decade.

5

The local ski resort reported a loss in revenue following an unseasonable mid-winter melt.

business

The local ski resort reported a loss in revenue following an unseasonable mid-winter melt.

Word Family

Noun
melt
Verb
melt
Adjective
melted
Related
melting

Common Collocations

spring melt spring melt
rapid melt rapid melt
snow melt snow melt
annual melt annual melt
glacier melt glacier melt

Common Phrases

tuna melt

a sandwich with tuna and melted cheese

nuclear meltdown

a severe accident in a nuclear reactor

melt-up

a sharp rise in asset prices in finance

Often Confused With

melt vs thaw

A thaw is the weather becoming warmer, while a melt is specifically the ice or snow turning into water.

melt vs puddle

A puddle is the small pool of water that remains after the melt has happened.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'the melt' as a singular noun to refer to the specific time of year when snow disappears. In a culinary context, it refers to a sandwich with melted cheese.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the verb form 'melting' when they should use the noun 'melt' to describe the seasonal event.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Mild' — when the weather is 'Mild', the 'Melt' begins.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'meltan', which means to become liquid or dissolve.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a countable noun, often with 'the'. Plural form is 'melts'. Often functions as the head of a compound noun like 'snow melt'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In northern countries like Canada or Sweden, the 'spring melt' is a major cultural turning point signaling the end of winter.

Quick Quiz

The river is very high today because of the rapid ______ of the snow on the mountains.

Correct!

The correct answer is: melt

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

freezing

A1

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

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