Search Dictionary
Definition of cooler

cooler

/ˈkuː.lɚ/
cool · er
Adverb:coolly
•
Plural:coolers
JUMP TO:

cooler Lexical Profile

cooler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An insulated container used for keeping food and beverages cold, typically by storing them with ice.

Example

"We packed the cooler with sandwiches and drinks before heading to the beach."

2

A device or mechanism designed to lower the temperature of a space, liquid, or piece of equipment.

Example

"The office water cooler is a popular spot for employees to chat during breaks."

3

North American A slang term for a jail, prison, or solitary confinement cell.

Example

"The bank robber spent a few nights in the cooler before posting bail."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cooler
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cooler

• Rhymes for cooler

• Nearby Words

coolant
coolbox
cooldown
cooler
coolheaded
cooling
coolish

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the root word 'cool' (from Old English 'cōl') by adding the suffix '-er'. The noun usage referring to a beverage container emerged in the late 19th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cooler. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cooler
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.