water cooler

American  

noun

1. a container for holding drinking water that is cooled and drawn off by a faucet or spigot.

2. a drinking fountain in which water is cooled by mechanical refrigeration.

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water cooler British  

noun

1. a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water

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1. informal

   1. indicating the kind of informal conversation among office staff that takes place at such a dispenser

      water-cooler conversations

   2. indicating an event, television programme, etc, sufficiently controversial or otherwise noteworthy to provide subject matter for such conversations

      water-cooler television

      a water-cooler moment

Etymology

Origin of water cooler

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Standing awkwardly on the outside of someone else’s water cooler.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

Even when we grouse about our jobs, by the water cooler and over Slack, the complaint is rarely about working hard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

“You can get talented people, but the water cooler effect is gone.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

Martin books call the closing event in Sunday’s episode of “House of the Dragon” — is likely to be a major Westeros water cooler moment.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2024

I pulled a paper cup from the water cooler and filled it.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Related Words

• water fountain