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

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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refrigerate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 24 Mar. 2023.

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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