refrigerator

noun

re·​frig·​er·​a·​tor ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce refrigerator (audio)
: something that refrigerates
especially : a room or appliance for keeping food or other items cool

Examples of refrigerator in a Sentence

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.
This mechanical action instantly stretches the second film, acting as the refrigerator. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 Khanal said the government has sought specialized support from Nepal's neighbors in tunnel rescue, survivor-detection technology, rapid forensic and DNA analysis, as well as morgue refrigerators. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 Khanal said the government has sought specialized support from Nepal’s neighbors in tunnel rescue, survivor-detection technology, rapid forensic and DNA analysis, as well as morgue refrigerators. — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Once frosted, this cake should be stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese in the topping. — Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrigerator

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrigerator was in 1611

Phrases Containing refrigerator

Rhymes for refrigerator

See All Rhymes for refrigerator

Browse Nearby Words

refrigerative
refrigerator
refrigerator car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

refrigerator

noun
re·​frig·​er·​a·​tor ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce refrigerator (audio)
: a device or room for keeping articles (as food) cool

More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerator

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about refrigerator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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