icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er ˈīs-ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through ice

2

: something that is done or said to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion

Roughly half of all Americans are invested in the market these days, and stock holdings have replaced politics, weather and sports as the go-to conversational icebreaker.

—Adam Bryant

… she also pays particular attention to icebreakers that relax guests and get them rubbing elbows, such as a cruise up the Colorado River, where guests nibble on hors d'oeuvres and sip Fall Creek wines.

—Steve Heimoff

see also break the ice at break entry 1

Examples of icebreaker in a Sentence

using an old joke as a conversational icebreaker

Recent Examples on the Web

Finland is also the world’s leading manufacturer of icebreakers and able to contribute a fleet of nine to support NATO’s evolving Arctic strategy, which is aimed, in part, at keeping maritime trading routes open and guarding against potential Russian military activity. —Jussi M. Hanhimäki, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2024

But his random dinnertime interjection about physical discipline in Korean schools probably wasn’t the best icebreaker? —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 May 2024

Pack your crew's thermals for this nine-day expedition on Ponant’s exquisite 245-passenger icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot (minimum age to sail is eight). —Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2023

Woo recalls using this question as an icebreaker, and noticing the room became louder and more lively with laughter. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er -ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped to make and keep open a channel through ice

2

: something (as a joke or game) that makes one feel more at ease and less reserved (as at a party or meeting)