refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool

specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation

foods that should be refrigerated

refrigeration

ri-ˌfri-jə-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• chill
• cool

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

Once cut, oranges should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, Gomes says. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2025

Cover and allow the mixture to refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025

But here’s the move: Smoke several blocks at a time, then refrigerate the leftovers. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2025

The dough can also be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen until ready to use. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025

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

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

: to make or keep cold or cool

especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it

refrigeration

-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən 

noun