icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er ˈīs-ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through ice

2

: something that is done or said to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion

Roughly half of all Americans are invested in the market these days, and stock holdings have replaced politics, weather and sports as the go-to conversational icebreaker.

—Adam Bryant

… she also pays particular attention to icebreakers that relax guests and get them rubbing elbows, such as a cruise up the Colorado River, where guests nibble on hors d'oeuvres and sip Fall Creek wines.

—Steve Heimoff

see also break the ice at break entry 1

Examples of icebreaker in a Sentence

using an old joke as a conversational icebreaker

Recent Examples on the Web

Adult games are a great icebreaker too, sparking some friendly competition, especially if neighbors don’t know each other well. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2024

China has churned out new ships in just two years and is now working on a fourth icebreaker. —Jill Goldenziel, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

There are screening questions about lifestyle, relationship status, education, and faith, plus icebreaker prompts. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2024

To bring a good time into the office, workplace culture expert Tom Gimbel recommends bosses bring a bit of their natural humor to the office, using harmless joke-telling or icebreakers to strengthen relationships in the workplace. —Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 23 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er -ˌbrā-kər 

1

: a ship equipped to make and keep open a channel through ice

2

: something (as a joke or game) that makes one feel more at ease and less reserved (as at a party or meeting)