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.
Raw eggs in the shell not maintained at 7°C (45°F) or below (walk-in cooler). Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 While the latest inflation report came in cooler than anticipated, Americans remain wary about prices and their overall financial outlook. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 And several of its coolers and freezers were also damaged. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Rosemary prefers indoor temperatures around 60 to 75ºF during the day and temperatures about 10 degrees cooler at night. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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
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