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

That wind direction has now changed, with a broadly westerly flow from the Atlantic - hence the significantly cooler feel and a return to "normal" spring weather.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Monday will be slightly warmer but still cooler than normal, according to the weather service.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

After clearing a few hurdles–chefs and mixologists were wary of going to work at a place that’s so hidden and in such close proximity to gas pumps and cheap snacks–the cooler door opened last April.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

A slow, low thunder rumbles in the distance and a cooler breeze blows through, making the reeds that stand tall along the water’s edge sashay against the dock.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• container