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 at break entry 1

Examples of icebreaker in a Sentence

using an old joke as a conversational icebreaker

Recent Examples on the Web

The cake became an instant icebreaker, sparking laughter, conversation, and plenty of selfies. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 July 2025

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot The world’s only Polar Class 2 passenger ship is not only the most luxurious icebreakers but also one of the most eco-friendly ships afloat. —AFAR Media, 3 July 2025

Masks, giveaways, fun icebreakers, drink specials and more. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

China has already begun testing the viability of the route, sending an icebreaker through it in 2012. —Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

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)