ice pack

noun

1

: an expanse of pack ice

2

: a bag or other container filled with frozen material (such as crushed ice) and applied to a body part (as to relieve pain or reduce swelling)

Examples of ice pack in a Sentence

He had an ice pack on his sore elbow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Something seemed awry as senior point guard Gina Dutkanych exited Aurora Central Catholic’s locker room, her hands cradling an ice pack instead of the usual basketball. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

But how do parents know if their child needs medical attention…or just an ice pack? —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 6 Feb. 2026

During Tuesday's quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic - the last match played under scorching sun - the players held ice packs to their heads and portable fans to their faces during breaks in play. —CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Clean snow in plastic bags or food storage containers can also be used as ice packs. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ice pack

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Kids Definition

ice pack

noun

1

: a large area of pack ice

2

: ice placed in a container or folded in a towel and applied to the body

Medical Definition

ice pack

noun

: crushed ice placed in a container (as an ice bag) or folded in a towel and applied to the body