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

As an icebreaker, the question combines humor with creativity, fitting the mold of engaging prompts that spark fun conversations. —Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Petty Officer John Hightower told Alaska’s News Source that search crews were using Coast Guard Cutter Healy − the largest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker in the U.S. − as their main search platform. —Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

Streaming the big games has never been easier, and, hey, maybe your fandom even gives you an icebreaker to chat about at happy hour. —Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

One is a group of scientists looking at screens on an icebreaker with enough fuel to last two years. —Allegra Rosenberg, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 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)