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

• chill
• cool

Example Sentences

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

Let flavors meld: After blending or processing, cover and refrigerate the chimichurri for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld. —Elaine Johnson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023

Under the influence of a sympathetic sheriff (admirably played by by Burl Ives), the kid struggles to recoup the losses his father suffered in an unsuccessful effort to refrigerate lettuce. —Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023

Cool, tightly wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. —Joe Yonan, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2023

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks. —Karen Elizabeth Watts, Dallas News, 14 Dec. 2022

Pat shrimp dry and toss with marinade; refrigerate 15 minutes. —Joy Cho, Good Housekeeping, 13 Jan. 2023

Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours and up to overnight. —Woman's Day, 10 Jan. 2023

Cover and refrigerate the remaining vinegar mixture. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2023

Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes. —Karen Elizabeth Watts, Dallas News, 14 Dec. 2022

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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

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