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

Inspectors observed a dead cockroach in the corner of the walk-in cooler. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

For more of the best beach day essentials, check out portable coolers, beach totes, umbrellas, games, phone pouches, and more below. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Standard chest coolers or insulated lunch boxes are great thrift store finds for a successful summer picnic. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

Freedom 250 says blankets are allowed, but lawn chairs, coolers, drink tumblers and aerosol sunscreen are prohibited. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 3 July 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