refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating
Synonyms of refrigeratenext

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool
specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation
foods that should be refrigerated
refrigeration
ri-ˌfri-jə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of refrigerate

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Examples of refrigerate in a Sentence

Refrigerate the mixture for an hour before serving. refrigerate the cake after you frost it so that the frosting doesn't melt
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.
Ask questions of healthcare professionals who understand what happens when someone cannot refrigerate insulin or other temperature-sensitive medications. — Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Experts say consumers can stay safe from outbreaks by keeping up with food recalls, washing produce well, refrigerating produce properly, and monitoring symptoms linked to foodborne illnesses. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 The dough can ferment while its baker is at work, then be shaped and refrigerated that evening. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrigerate

Word History

Etymology

Latin refrigeratus, past participle of refrigerare, from re- + frigerare to cool, from frigor-, frigus cold — more at frigid

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrigerate was in 1534

Rhymes for refrigerate

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Browse Nearby Words

refrigerant
refrigerate
refrigerating engine
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb
re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating
: to make or keep cold or cool
especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it
refrigeration
-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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