brain freeze

noun

: a sudden shooting pain in the head caused by ingesting very cold food (such as ice cream) or drink

Examples of brain freeze 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.
Keynesianism gets a brain freeze John Maynard Keynes is basically the father of macroeconomics, the study of how the entire economy works, including what the government can do to fight recessions, boost employment, and control inflation. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026 Studies also suggest that individuals with migraine are more susceptible to brain freeze, probably because the trigeminal nerve and its associated pain pathways are already hypersensitive. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Garner started the video with a clip of her drinking leftovers from the drink container and seemingly getting a brain freeze, holding her hand to her forehead and grimacing. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 With ice cream treats this magnificent, brain freeze is a beautiful thing. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brain freeze

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain freeze was in 1991

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brain freeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20freeze. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

brain freeze

noun
: a sudden sharp pain in the head caused by eating or drinking something very cold
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