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

In certain professional circles — like, say, those of yoga instructors and doulas — this type of icebreaker might be welcomed. —Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025

Awkward silences are bound to happen, but Patel says the right icebreaker can ease some of that initial tension—and in a perfect world, eventually lead to smooth, engaging chats that feel organic, not scripted. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 12 Feb. 2025

Bates provided the icebreaker with a 3-pointer off Mitchell’s feed at the 14:18 mark. —The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025

Now, aboard the Charcot, the world’s only ultra-luxe icebreaker, up to 245 passengers can experience the unlivable Arctic environ in comfort and style. —Belinda Luksic, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for icebreaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker

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)