cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər 

1

: one that cools: such as

a

: a container for cooling liquids

b

: refrigerator

2

: lockup, jail

especially : a cell for violent or unmanageable prisoners

3

: an iced drink usually with an alcoholic beverage as a base

Synonyms

• penitentiary
• jail
• prison

Examples of cooler in a Sentence

The sodas are in the cooler.

plea-bargained to avoid spending time in the cooler

Recent Examples on the Web

The inspector noticed a mold or slime-like substance in the ice machine, employees hadn’t completed an accredited food-handler course, and coolers and equipment were dirty. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025

Drones, large coolers or coolers on wheels, glass containers, alcohol, grilling and pets are prohibited. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

The restaurant was also dinged after an inspector noticed the insides and outside of all reach-in coolers and reach-in freezers soiled with food debris. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025

When looking for strawberry plants at the garden center, ask a clerk for help because they are typically stored in a cooler. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

cool entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cooler

• cooler heads prevail
• the cooler
• wine cooler

Rhymes for cooler

• jeweller
• ruler
• schooler
• schuller
• preschooler
• vestibular

Kids Definition

cooler

noun

cool·​er ˈkü-lər 

: a container for keeping food or drink cool