refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

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 

noun

Synonyms of refrigerate

• freeze
• chill
• cool

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

Add the cherries, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 days or up to 7 days, stirring occasionally. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

To make this lasagna in advance, prepare it as instructed, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (cover the plastic wrap with foil when freezing). —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate refrigerated for 8-24 hours. —The Know, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026

Temperature-sensitive medication loses its effectiveness if not refrigerated and should be replaced with a new supply as soon as possible. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for refrigerate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

: to make or keep cold or cool

especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it

refrigeration

-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən 

noun