smelter

noun

smelt·​er ˈsmel-tər How to pronounce smelter (audio)
: one that smelts:
a
: a worker who smelts ore
b
: an owner or operator of a smeltery
c
or smeltery
ˈsmel-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce smelter (audio)
: an establishment for smelting

Examples of smelter 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.
But the company shut down the smelter in 2012. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 The residents labored in a lead smelter near the mountain's base and worked on the project for nearly a decade, until it was completed in 1940. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 13 May 2026 Indonesia uses two types of smelters, which produce potential pollutants — either tailings or slag — which can leach into the ground or water if not stored properly. — NPR, 7 May 2026 ThyssenKrupp plans to open a German mill using electric smelters in 2028, and Nippon is trying them out in Japan. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smelter

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smelter was in the 15th century

Rhymes for smelter

See All Rhymes for smelter

Browse Nearby Words

smelt
smelter
smelterman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

smelter

noun
smelt·​er ˈsmel-tər How to pronounce smelter (audio)
1
: a person whose work or business is smelting
2
or smeltery
-tə-rē
 : an establishment for smelting
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