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

For those looking to upgrade their picnic setup, select coolers are marked down by 30%. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

Its array of cocktails includes the cilantro jalapeño margarita for $14, espresso martini for $15, blackberry gin cooler for $13, and several low or zero-proof options. —Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026

The foundation provides tools and propane to use, but guests need to bring their own food, coolers, and ice. —Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

Accumulated Debris Found On Non-food Contact Surfaces Of Equipment, Shelves At The Walk-in-cooler, Racks, Stoves, RIC/WIC Door Seals. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 May 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