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
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.
Test Kitchen Tip: While refrigerating peanut butter may seem like the obvious choice, there is one notable drawback: cold peanut butter is usually significantly harder to spread than room temperature peanut butter. Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2025 They can be kept in a pantry but must be refrigerated after opening. Sari Hitchins, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025 For example, cooked leftovers can be refrigerated for four days, max, while raw meat and poultry should be limited to half that. Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025 Fresh celery juice can be kept refrigerated and covered for three to four days. Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025 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 31 Jan. 2025.

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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