refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfri-jə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

transitive verb

: to make or keep cold or cool

specifically : to freeze or chill for preservation

foods that should be refrigerated

refrigeration

ri-ˌfri-jə-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• chill
• cool

Examples of refrigerate in a Sentence

Refrigerate the mixture for an hour before serving.

refrigerate the cake after you frost it so that the frosting doesn't melt

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut pineapple can last up to four days if placed in a tightly covered container and refrigerated. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024

Most recipes advise refrigerating it overnight (or at least for a few hours) to achieve that pudding-like consistency. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 June 2024

The crust and cream cheese filling for cherry delight can be prepared, wrapped, and refrigerated up to two days ahead. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 3 June 2024

Allow the soup to cool, and then refrigerate for up to 3 days. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin refrigeratus, past participle of refrigerare, from re- + frigerare to cool, from frigor-, frigus cold — more at frigid

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

refrigerate

verb

re·​frig·​er·​ate ri-ˈfrij-ə-ˌrāt 

refrigerated; refrigerating

: to make or keep cold or cool

especially : to freeze or chill food to preserve it

refrigeration

-ˌfrij-ə-ˈrā-shən 

noun