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.
To keep cut avocados fresh, brush with lime juice, wrap tightly, and refrigerate in an airtight container. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026 Transfer to a fresh container covered with wet towels and some ice, then refrigerate until ready to use. — Claire Wadsworth, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 The affected products have a net weight of 8 ounces and are kept refrigerated. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Be sure to refrigerate cut squash, wrapped in plastic, up to 4 days. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 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 7 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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