defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-ˌfrȯst
defrosted; defrosting; defrosts

transitive verb

1
: to release from a frozen state
defrost meat
2
a
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator/freezer
b
: to clear (a window or windshield) with a vehicle's defroster
defrost a windshield to clear it of ice and condensation

intransitive verb

: to thaw out especially from a deep-frozen state

Examples of defrost in a Sentence

You can defrost the soup in the microwave. Has the refrigerator defrosted yet?
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.
Just put them in the toaster to defrost and crisp from frozen. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 9 May 2026 According to our experts, these are the most common mistakes to avoid when defrosting salmon. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 May 2026 Swap your cutting board for this bamboo cutting board set, which includes a defrosting tray, all for just $14. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026 Instead, defrost it in the refrigerator, under cold water, or in the microwave. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for defrost

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defrost was in 1895

Rhymes for defrost

See All Rhymes for defrost

Browse Nearby Words

defrock
defrost
defroster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defrost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defrost. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defrost

verb
de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-
1
: to free from a frozen state : thaw out
defrost meat
2
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator
3
: to remove fog or condensed moisture from
defrost the windshield

More from Merriam-Webster on defrost

Nglish: Translation of defrost for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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