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

To extend the life, refrigerated it for up a couple more days. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2025

Instead, transfer the contents to an airtight container or a zip-top bag before refrigerating. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025

Chicken producers keep broiler eggs at about 65 degrees and do not have equipment in place to refrigerate them at the lower temperature on the FDA's timetable, the council and farmers said. —Tom Polansek, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Typically, bodies are refrigerated at funeral homes or hospitals for one to five days before pathologists examine them. —Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 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

Rhymes for refrigerate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

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