refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating
Synonyms of refrigeratenext

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 How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of refrigerate

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Let stand at room temperature 2 hours, or refrigerate 4 hours. — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 Recipe notes This salad can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 This is your zucchini ragu -- it can be made ahead and refrigerated. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Zucchini bread can also be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. — Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for refrigerate

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Browse Nearby Words

refrigerant
refrigerate
refrigerating engine
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Cite this Entry

“Refrigerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrigerate. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerate

Nglish: Translation of refrigerate for Spanish Speakers

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