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Definition of icebreaking

icebreaking

/ˈaɪsˌbreɪk.ɪŋ/
ice · break · ing

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icebreaking Lexical Profile

icebreaking Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving to relieve social awkwardness or reserve among people meeting for the first time.

Example

"The facilitator began the seminar with a brief icebreaking exercise to help the participants feel comfortable."


2

Designed or equipped to clear a navigable passage through ice-covered waters.

Example

"The expedition relied on a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreaking vessels to reach the polar research station."

• noun

1

The operation or process of clearing a navigable channel through frozen bodies of water using specialized vessels.

Example

"Winter shipping along the northern sea route depends heavily on continuous icebreaking by the coast guard."


2

The act of relieving social tension or formality at the start of a gathering, workshop, or conversation.

Example

"A few minutes of casual icebreaking helped the new team members converse freely before the formal agenda began."

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Icebreaking. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/icebreaking
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