cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər How to pronounce cooler (audio)
1
: one that cools: such as
a
: a container for cooling liquids
2
: lockup, jail
especially : a cell for violent or unmanageable prisoners
3
: an iced drink usually with an alcoholic beverage as a base

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
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.
Among the FishPro features are a Garmin GPS and fishfinder unit, a cooler for live bait or your catch, rod-holders, a large front storage space ideal for tackle and other accessories such as a swivel seat, and a waterproof, shockproof compartment for a smart phone. Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 Live roaches were found in the reach-in cooler and prepared food items weren’t dated. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025 The summer of 2025 was the first when coolcation went big, with holidays spent in cooler rather than warmer places. Mattias Goldmann, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 That’s where energy-efficient plug-in coolers and warmers come in. Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cooler

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cooler was circa 1550

Cite this Entry

“Cooler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cooler. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

cooler

noun
cool·​er ˈkü-lər How to pronounce cooler (audio)
: a container for keeping food or drink cool

More from Merriam-Webster on cooler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!