refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool
specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation
foods that should be refrigerated
refrigeration noun

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 Keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2024 They can also be refrigerated to up their cooling effect, which not only feels nice but helps combat facial puffiness, redness, and irritation. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 Best of all, it can be made up ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making weeknight family dinners, meal trains, potlucks — or, in my case tonight, hosting a last-minute letter writing party for upcoming elections — a total breeze. Laura McLively, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 After all the ingredients were mixed, it was poured into a mold and refrigerated for 12 hours to set, with the resulting texture ending up like a chewy gummy candy. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Feb. 2024 Kelce told us that her two best tips for perfecting this recipe include refrigerating the dough overnight and adding in a hint of cinnamon. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 At Dos Reales the process begins the night before when the pork and other ingredients are cut up and refrigerated overnight. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2024 How To Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites Freeze or refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023 Keep the sesame paste refrigerated until filling the tang yuan. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refrigerate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrigerate was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near refrigerate

Cite this Entry

“Refrigerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrigerate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb
re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating
: to make or keep cold or cool
especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it
refrigeration noun

More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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