Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

cooldown

American  
[kool-doun] / ˈkulˌdaʊn /
Or cool-down

noun

  1. a period of low-impact or slower exercise following a more intense workout to allow the body to gradually return to its normal physiological level.


verb phrase

  1. to bring the body back to its normal physiological level after fast, vigorous exercise or activity by gradually slowing the pace of activity or by doing gentle exercises or stretches.

Etymology

Origin of cooldown

First recorded in 1910–15; cool ( def. ) (in the verb sense “to make or become cool” + down 1 ( def. ) (in the adverb sense “from a higher to a lower state”); the noun is derived from the verb phrase

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Despite the chance of a few sporadic thunderstorms breaking out later this week across southern areas of the UK, the prospect of a concerted cooldown remains uncertain.

From BBC Jul. 12, 2026

The core CPI’s 0.2% monthly increase in May also represented a cooldown from a 0.4% uptick in April.

From Barron's Jun. 10, 2026

The 10-year Treasury yield rose and the two-year declined amid indications of a labor cooldown.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 6, 2026

There are a few reasons for that cooldown, chief among them that the Cybertruck ended up being much more expensive than originally planned.

From MarketWatch Nov. 29, 2025

"Now give me two cooldown laps and get off my track."

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training