icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er ˈīs-ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through ice

2

: something that is done or said to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion

Roughly half of all Americans are invested in the market these days, and stock holdings have replaced politics, weather and sports as the go-to conversational icebreaker.

—Adam Bryant

… she also pays particular attention to icebreakers that relax guests and get them rubbing elbows, such as a cruise up the Colorado River, where guests nibble on hors d'oeuvres and sip Fall Creek wines.

—Steve Heimoff

see also break the ice

Examples of icebreaker in a Sentence

using an old joke as a conversational icebreaker

Recent Examples on the Web

Wagner said the goal of the club is to make new friends in a casual environment with books acting as the icebreaker. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

One tried to use it as an icebreaker. —Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026

These are great kick-off points, like icebreakers. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Aboard the icebreaker Araon, senior scientists set the research priorities. —New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for icebreaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker

Kids Definition

icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er -ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped to make and keep open a channel through ice

2

: something (as a joke or game) that makes one feel more at ease and less reserved (as at a party or meeting)