iceberg

noun

ice·​berg ˈīs-ˌbərg 

1

: a large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier

2

: an emotionally cold person

3

: iceberg lettuce

Synonyms

• cold fish
• cold turkey
• icicle

Examples of iceberg in a Sentence

a brilliant doctor, no doubt, but both patients and staff complain that he is an iceberg

Recent Examples on the Web

So should the great majority of this country’s voters. — Harris Factor, Columbia Post-debate rationalizing The Democratic Party has struck an iceberg, and the captain is intent on telling everyone that his ship is unsinkable. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2024

Make a stop to witness Diamond Rock, a 575-foot-tall basalt rock in the middle of the sea that gives the appearance of a floating iceberg. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

The ship sank in 1912 on its maiden voyage from England after hitting an iceberg. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024

More movies are sunk by the hidden part of the iceberg than ever evoke it. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably partial translation of Danish or Norwegian isberg, from is ice + berg mountain

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing iceberg

• iceberg lettuce
• the tip of the iceberg
• tip of the iceberg

Kids Definition

iceberg

noun

ice·​berg ˈīs-ˌbərg 

: a large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier