icebox

[ahys-boks]

noun

1. an insulated cabinet or chest with a partition for ice, used for preserving or cooling food, beverages, etc.

2. Older Use.,  an electric or gas refrigerator.

3. Nautical.,  an enclosed area in the bottom of a vessel through which sea water can be pumped up for use in the condenser in icy waters.

4. Slang.,  an isolation cell in a prison.

icebox

/ ˈaɪsˌbɒks /

noun

1. a compartment in a refrigerator for storing or making ice

2. an insulated cabinet packed with ice for storing food

3. a refrigerator

Word History and Origins

Origin of icebox¹

First recorded in 1830–40; ice + box ¹

Example Sentences

I’ve been thinking about icebox cakes all summer, mostly because I’ve been thinking about how to avoid sweating through my clothes and still bring something nice to a dinner.

From Salon

I make Banana Cake and have it covered and ready in the icebox for a week when I have time to squeeze fresh pink grapefruit juice for both breakfast and sunset cocktails.

From Salon

Nelson shoved him against an icebox, pulled out his gun and shot him in the abdomen, Calfo said.

From Seattle Times

Mother Nature is finally taking us out of the icebox.

From Seattle Times

“We often have lunch here,” said shop manager Paul Rimlinger, gesturing to a coffee machine and an “icebox” in one corner.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bitter 
• bleak 
• brisk 
• chilled 
• cool 
• crisp 
• frigid 
• frosty 
• frozen 
• icy 
• intense 
• raw 
• snowy 
• wintry