icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er ˈīs-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce icebreaker (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As an icebreaker, the question combines humor with creativity, fitting the mold of engaging prompts that spark fun conversations. Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Petty Officer John Hightower told Alaska’s News Source that search crews were using Coast Guard Cutter Healy − the largest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker in the U.S. − as their main search platform. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 Streaming the big games has never been easier, and, hey, maybe your fandom even gives you an icebreaker to chat about at happy hour. Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024 One is a group of scientists looking at screens on an icebreaker with enough fuel to last two years. Allegra Rosenberg, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for icebreaker 

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of icebreaker was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near icebreaker

Cite this Entry

“Icebreaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icebreaker. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

icebreaker

noun
ice·​break·​er -ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce icebreaker (audio)
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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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