meltwater

noun

melt·​wa·​ter ˈmelt-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce meltwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: water derived from the melting of ice and snow

Examples of meltwater 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.
These wetlands, connected to the river, act as natural reservoirs that absorb and hold water, especially when the river swells with meltwater or heavy rain. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 In recent years, the volume of glacial meltwater released downstream has strongly increased, the report said, adding that 2026 was third highest for meltwater. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 It is thought the disaster happened when a glacial collapse in the Himalayas sent rock, ice and meltwater into valleys below, triggering powerful floods downstream. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The meltwater pouring off Bråsvellbreen like waterfalls, though breathtakingly beautiful, was another sobering reminder of the consequences of global warming. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meltwater

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meltwater was in 1923

Rhymes for meltwater

See All Rhymes for meltwater

Browse Nearby Words

Melton Mowbray
meltwater
melty
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Cite this Entry

“Meltwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meltwater. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meltwater

noun
melt·​wa·​ter ˈmelt-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce meltwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: water that comes from the melting of ice and snow
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