# thaw

/ˈθɔ/ (US) · /θˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thaw
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 3. period of melting

noun · CEFR B2

a period of warmer weather when ice and snow melt.

For teachers: a period of weather warm enough to melt ice and snow, or the process of melting itself.

- The spring thaw caused the river levels to rise quickly.
- The sudden thaw led to widespread flooding across the valley as the mountain snowpack melted rapidly.

### 4. political relaxation

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a time when two countries or groups become more friendly after a period of tension.

For teachers: an improvement in relations between two countries or groups, characterized by a reduction in tension or the relaxation of restrictions.

- The meeting marked a major thaw in relations between the two nations.
- Historians often point to the cultural exchange program as the beginning of the diplomatic thaw between the rival superpowers.

## Examples

- The snow begins to thaw as the sun comes out.
- You should leave the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight to let it thaw safely.
- As the spring temperatures rise, the permafrost begins to thaw, potentially releasing ancient gases trapped beneath the surface for millennia.

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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.