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

Ponant Venture to the ends of the Earth aboard Ponant’s polar icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Almost $25 billion in funding is now flowing to the agency, which is buying 38 new large vessels, including 17 icebreakers; 40 helicopters; six patrol airplanes, along with two G700Gulfstream executive jets, the purchase of which drew sharp condemnation from Democratic lawmakers. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

Last year Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker ship managed to push through the frozen conditions when other delivery ships couldn't and bring essential supplies to Tasiilaq in a moment of need. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026

In August 2025, the first Sincerely, Her event was held at Larks Entertainment, selling 200 tickets and hosting a night for local women to get together, enjoy icebreakers and games, and — most importantly — make new friends. —Kansas City Star, 21 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)