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

March in Southern California has been marked almost entirely by unusually warm temperatures, but the month is set to close out with a cooler spell.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

U.S. natural gas futures settled higher with support from a slightly cooler weather outlook and a rise in oil driven by the Middle East conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The shift to cooler weather, however, isn’t forecast to stick around long.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Coastal and lowland areas tend to warm more quickly, while northern and upland regions remain cooler and more prone to wintry showers.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

I realize that all the statues are depictions of him—if he was taller, stronger, and generally cooler.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• container