refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool

specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation

foods that should be refrigerated

refrigeration

ri-ˌfri-jə-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• freeze
• chill
• cool

Examples of refrigerate in a Sentence

Refrigerate the mixture for an hour before serving.

refrigerate the cake after you frost it so that the frosting doesn't melt

Recent Examples on the Web

The dip components can be prepared and refrigerated separately for up to 2 days in advance. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

Toss the fish in the dressing and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes or up to an hour, again refrigerated if desired. —Bill St. John, Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2025

Cover and refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

In addition to a restroom facility geared toward the severely disabled, the Explorer comes with a microwave and small fridge, which is essential for clients who need medications refrigerated or special foods for their feeding tubes, Brumbaugh said. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 28 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin refrigeratus, past participle of refrigerare, from re- + frigerare to cool, from frigor-, frigus cold — more at frigid

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refrigerate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

: to make or keep cold or cool

especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it

refrigeration

-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən 

noun