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 Keep it refrigerated and use under the supervision of a physician. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Health, 16 Sep. 2024 Remove any spoiled or moldy berries before refrigerating. Primrose Freestone, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024 The pesto can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Sami Sparber, Axios, 7 Sep. 2024 Green funerals are legal in Colorado but bodies must be buried within a 24 hour window, or else refrigerated. Armani Syed, TIME, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for refrigerate 

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 7 Oct. 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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