Melee tends to be encountered more often in written rather than spoken English, but it is far from obscure, and has seen increasing use especially in the context of video games featuring some form …

MELEE definition: 1. a large noisy uncontrolled crowd, in which people are moving in different directions and…. Learn more.

A melee (/ ˈmeɪleɪ / or / ˈmɛleɪ /) is hand-to-hand fighting among several people. The English term melee originated circa 1648 from the French word mêlée (French: [mɛle]), derived from the Old French …

1. A confused struggle or fight at close quarters. See Synonyms at brawl. 2. A confused tumultuous mingling, as of a crowd: the rush-hour melee.

MELEE definition: a confused hand-to-hand fight or struggle among several people. See examples of melee used in a sentence.

A melee is a noisy confusing fight between the people in a crowd. A policeman was killed and scores of people were injured in the melee. A melee of things is a large, confusing, disorganized group of …

Definition of melee noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. a situation in which a crowd of people are rushing or pushing each other in a confused way. Several people were hurt in the melee. …

Feb 28, 2026 · melee (countable and uncountable, plural melees) (especially military, gaming) A battle fought at close range, (especially) one not involving ranged weapons; hand-to-hand combat; brawling.

MELEE meaning: a confused struggle or fight involving many people usually singular

A melee is a noisy free-for-all or rowdy fight — a no holds barred, battle royal, if you will. It's what pro wrestlers engage in every night, and shoppers endure at the toy store every holiday season.