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

When making the first move, invest in personalized and respectful messages rather than generic icebreakers. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Russia's icebreakers far outnumber those belonging to any other nation, and observers point to the country's historical pride in being able to operate comfortably in some of the most extreme conditions. —Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

But after the myth-busting and icebreakers, something changes. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

The bucket hats have become the organic icebreaker. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 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)