cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər 

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

Synonyms of cooler

• penitentiary
• jail
• prison

Examples of cooler in a Sentence

The sodas are in the cooler.

plea-bargained to avoid spending time in the cooler

Recent Examples on the Web

No bags, glass or metal water bottles, bats/batons, bicycles or scooters, chairs or coolers will be allowed in the event. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

To de-slime his pike, the Griz puts them in a paper grocery bag, then puts that bag in a larger garbage bag, and stashes it all in a cooler. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026

Carter says the outages created additional expenses for her family, including replacing spoiled food and purchasing ice and coolers to preserve groceries. —Tori Mason, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations. —Kelsey Yandura, Midwest Living, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

cool entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cooler

• cooler heads prevail
• the cooler
• wine cooler

Rhymes for cooler

• ruler
• schooler
• schuller
• preschooler
• vestibular

Kids Definition

cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər 

: a container for keeping food or drink cool