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

The body has to be refrigerated, but not frozen, because freezing damages the cells. —Camille Bromley, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024

If roasting your own beets, they can be cooked up to one week ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. —Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

Thanksgiving dessert recipes Pumpkin pie recipe This pie can be made in advance, cooled to room temperature and refrigerated for 24 hours before serving. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

Deli meat should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the USDA. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

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