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

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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
Imbox uses hydrophilic agents to help the insole and lining absorb moisture for a drier, cooler feel. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Hard coolers take up too much storage space; soft coolers don’t offer enough insulation. — Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 That included filling up a cooler with at least eight bottles of water to start his day. — Ginger Allen, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Tote along a cooler or a field chair from the hotel’s Yeti Gear Garage, or borrow a Yeti dog bowl for your room, all of which are pet-friendly. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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