cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər How to pronounce cooler (audio)
1
: one that cools: such as
a
: a container for cooling liquids
2
: lockup, jail
especially : a cell for violent or unmanageable prisoners
3
: an iced drink usually with an alcoholic beverage as a base

Examples of cooler in a Sentence

The sodas are in the cooler. plea-bargained to avoid spending time in the cooler
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.
The reason that water coolers are great for creativity is two-fold. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 In-person work often favors extroverts who thrive at the water cooler and in in-person meetings. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 Hard thermoplastics used to make coolers, car parts, and electronics are chemically set in their shape and cannot be recycled. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Feb. 2025 To check if your cooler is among the numerous models and date codes, consult the list in the recall notice or go to Igloo’s recall website. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cooler

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cooler was circa 1550

Cite this Entry

“Cooler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cooler. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

cooler

noun
cool·​er ˈkü-lər How to pronounce cooler (audio)
: a container for keeping food or drink cool

More from Merriam-Webster on cooler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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