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 of refrigerate

• 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

This savory cobbler uses frozen veggies and refrigerated pie crusts for the easiest-ever Easter dinner. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Store bananas at room temperature to ripen, then refrigerate them once ripe to slow the ripening process. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026

How to store leftover gumbo Once cool, transfer the gumbo (separate from the rice) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026

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