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.
In working to raise its limited manufacturing capacity, Indonesia has a strong ally in China, which makes 60% of the world's aluminum but is keen to reduce pollution and emissions from smelters on its own shores. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The findings could support a production base serving nearby smelters, cable manufacturers and new-energy industries, according to CCTV News. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Does Mazzei want to use taxpayer money for the Inola smelter? — Keaton Ross, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Aug. 2026 However, homes closest to where a lead smelter and other downtown factories operated tended to have slightly higher concentrations than those farther out. — Chris Bowling, ProPublica, 10 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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