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

An employee didn’t properly wash his hands before putting on new gloves, the ice scoop was dirty and two of the prep coolers weren’t cooling properly. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Move the animal to shade and slowly pour water cooler than their body temperature over them, avoiding the head so breathing stays clear. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Items including coolers, folding chairs, frisbees, balls, metal drink containers and aerosol cans — including spray sunscreen — are prohibited. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026

In it, Ventiva stacked its modular ionic coolers to handle a 45-watt-TDP prototype unit. — John Burek, PC Magazine, 5 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