cooler

1 of 2

noun

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

cooler

2 of 2

comparative of cool entry 1

Synonyms of cooler

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of cooler in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
That follows a growing trend, as airlines have been adding more capacity in the shoulder seasons and even in the off-peak winter period as travelers opt to fly in the fall and other cooler, cheaper times of the year. — Michele Luhn, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Best Serving Tray Designer Sophie Lou Jacobson knows how to make even the most humble tableware pieces that much cooler. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 Based on SweetNight Lab test results, the complete system delivers sleep comfort that's up to 11° cooler. — New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 Health inspector observed a German roach on the nest on the bottom shelf of the prep table behind the prep cooler inside the electrical outlets. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cooler

Word History

Etymology

Noun

cool entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cooler was circa 1550

Phrases Containing cooler

Rhymes for cooler

See All Rhymes for cooler

Browse Nearby Words

cooldown
cooler
cooler heads prevail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cooler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cooler. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cooler

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