freezer burn

noun

: light-colored spots developed in frozen foods as a result of surface evaporation and drying when inadequately wrapped or packaged

Examples of freezer burn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wrap foods tightly or use airtight freezer-safe containers to help prevent freezer burn, and avoid overpacking warm foods into one area so cold air can circulate freely around them. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026

Blanching vegetables like corn, green beans and broccoli for 30 to 60 seconds in boiling water, then plunging them into an ice bath before freezing, stops the enzyme activity that causes freezer burn and off-flavors. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

If freezing, wrap the bread in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn. — Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026

To prevent freezer burn, fill the containers to the top and cover the surface of the stew with plastic wrap or wax paper. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

freezer burn

noun

: a dried-out spot on food (as meat) that has been frozen that results from improper wrapping