cooler

1 of 2

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

cooler

2 of 2

comparative of cool entry 1

Synonyms of cooler

Noun

• penitentiary
• jail
• prison

Examples of cooler in a Sentence

Noun

The sodas are in the cooler.

plea-bargained to avoid spending time in the cooler

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For the first time since her big breakout moment with Baby Reindeer, the darkly comedic stalker thriller turned water cooler phenomenon, Jessica Gunning is returning to Netflix. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

After a cooler and quieter weekend, another round of rain could move through early next week. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Many are in poor shape, with thin, uninsulated walls, leaky windows, old or broken swamp coolers and electrical systems that can't always handle air conditioners. — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Its rugged silicone exterior is IP67-rated to resist water, dust, and drops, while the flexible utility strap easily clips onto backpacks, handlebars, or coolers. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

cool entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cooler

• cooler heads prevail
• evaporative cooler
• 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