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 of iceberg

• clam
• icicle
• stick

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

Beijing’s efforts in the Arctic are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. —Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025

Visitors can hike along rugged cliffs, glide past icebergs by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or even take Zodiac excursions to explore hidden sea caverns. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025

Unsettlingly, Gundlach seemed to be arguing that private capital is a giant iceberg sitting underneath what could be a melting icecap of equity markets. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025

Crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, colorful veggies, and crunchy croutons are bathed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing with just the right amount of richness from mayonnaise. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

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