melting pot

noun

1. a pot in which metals or other substances are melted or fused.
2. a country, locality, or situation in which cultural assimilation results in blending the heritage and traditions of previously distinct ethnic groups.

melting pot

noun

1. a pot in which metals or other substances are melted, esp in order to mix them
2. an area in which many races, ideas, etc, are mixed

melting pot

1. A term expressing the view that immigrants to the United States have been fused or melted into a single people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of melting pot¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Jimmy Carter once said, “We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s what Chifa is: It’s about this melting pot of ideas.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cook with the flavors and techniques of Mexico, Africa, Latin America and Vietnam, homages to the melting pot that Southern California has long been.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, he wasn’t afraid to try new things, like adding psychedelic stuff to the blues and just making a big melting pot of blues, rock and funk and even R&B in his music.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's a UK influence too. My background is like a little melting pot, a Frankenstein of drag."

From BBC

Related Words

• fusion
• pluralism