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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The body has to be refrigerated, but not frozen, because freezing damages the cells. Camille Bromley, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024 If roasting your own beets, they can be cooked up to one week ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 Thanksgiving dessert recipes Pumpkin pie recipe This pie can be made in advance, cooled to room temperature and refrigerated for 24 hours before serving. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024 Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for refrigerate 

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 14 Nov. 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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