cooler

American  

[koo-ler] / ˈku lər /

noun

1. a container or apparatus, as an insulated chest, in which something may be cooled or kept cool.

2. anything that cools or makes cool; refrigerant.

3. an air conditioner.

4. a tall drink, consisting of liquor, soda, and a fruit garnish.

5. water cooler.

6. Slang. the cooler, jail.

   He was in the cooler for three months for petty theft.

7. Ice Hockey Slang. penalty box.

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cooler British  

/ ˈkuːlə /

noun

1. a container, vessel, or apparatus for cooling, such as a heat exchanger

2. a slang word for prison

3. a drink consisting of wine, fruit juice, and carbonated water

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Etymology

Origin of cooler

First recorded in 1565–75; cool + -er ¹

Example Sentences

It’s a disorienting sight for newcomers who have just passed gas pumps and rows of soda and Slim Jims and tugged on various cooler doors in search of the secret handle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

With a change to the weather patterns on Thursday, the warmer south-easterly wind will be replaced by a cooler north-westerly.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

“For now, the market holds its breath, hoping for cooler heads to prevail in the Middle East,” writes Navellier Chief Investment Officer Louis Navellier.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

However, conditions will turn a little cooler in western Scotland, Northern Ireland and Irish Sea coasts with more cloud and rain moving in later in the afternoon.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Lily is skipping next to me while Dad and Aunt Melissa trail behind, toting a cooler between them.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• container