# melee

/ˈmeɪˌɫeɪ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/melee
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a confused, noisy fight or a crowded situation where people are moving around in a disorganized way.

For teachers: a confused struggle or fight at close quarters involving many participants; a confused mass of people in close proximity.

## Examples

- Several players were injured during the melee on the field.
- The peaceful protest suddenly turned into a melee as the crowd surged forward and clashed with the security barriers.
- In the chaotic melee that followed the sudden power outage, several shoppers were knocked over as the panicked crowd rushed toward the dimly lit emergency exits.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the definite article 'the' to describe a specific chaotic event.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.