refrigerator

noun

re·​frig·​er·​a·​tor ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce refrigerator (audio)
: something that refrigerates
especially : a room or appliance for keeping food or other items cool

Examples of refrigerator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a high-touch surface, refrigerator door handles can get dirty quickly. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 4 July 2026 These areas of your refrigerator are often the coldest and will preserve your berries the best; avoid storing them in the door shelves, which are often the warmest. — Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 Like a true pal, a big pot of it in my refrigerator lightens my load, providing a nourishing meal my whole family loves at a moment’s notice. — Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 Finally, return items to the refrigerator taking care to organize it, by placing those items that will expire soon at the front of the fridge for easy access. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrigerator

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrigerator was in 1611

Phrases Containing refrigerator

Rhymes for refrigerator

See All Rhymes for refrigerator

Browse Nearby Words

refrigerative
refrigerator
refrigerator car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refrigerator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrigerator. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refrigerator

noun
re·​frig·​er·​a·​tor ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce refrigerator (audio)
: a device or room for keeping articles (as food) cool

More from Merriam-Webster on refrigerator

Nglish: Translation of refrigerator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about refrigerator

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