refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool
specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation
foods that should be refrigerated
refrigeration noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fresh celery juice can be kept refrigerated and covered for three to four days. Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025 The Crafted Market soup instructed users to keep the soup refrigerated. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025 If stock is thin even after being fully refrigerated, add optional gelatin solution to stock and bring to a boil until fully dissolved, then refrigerate or freeze. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 Try not to overheat, as this can cause a loss of fragrance. Allow the water to cool, then remove the petals and refrigerate the water. Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refrigerate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrigerate was in 1534

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refrigerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrigerate. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb
re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce refrigerate (audio)
refrigerated; refrigerating
: to make or keep cold or cool
especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it
refrigeration noun

More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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