refrigerator
rih-FRIHJ-uh-ray-tuh
Refrigerator (noun) means an appliance that keeps food and drink cold, commonly called a fridge. Example: “Put the milk back in the refrigerator when you're done.”
noun
1
An appliance that keeps food and drink cold, commonly called a fridge.
"Put the milk back in the refrigerator when you're done."
"The refrigerator hummed quietly in the corner of the kitchen."
"We bought a new refrigerator because the old one had stopped keeping things cold."
How to use refrigerator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe kitchen appliance for keeping food cold — usually shortened to "fridge" in everyday speech.
UK vs US
In the UK, "fridge" is far more common in speech; "refrigerator" tends to sound more formal or appear on appliance labels.
Common pairings
open the refrigerator
refrigerator door
mini refrigerator
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Word forms
- Plural
- refrigerators
Fill the gap
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Put the milk back in the _____ when you're done.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin refrigerator, "a cooler."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for refrigerator
See all rhymes for refrigerator →Frequently asked questions
What does “refrigerator” mean?
The word “refrigerator” means an appliance that keeps food and drink cold, commonly called a fridge. In plain terms, the kitchen appliance for keeping food cold — usually shortened to "fridge" in everyday speech.
How do you pronounce “refrigerator”?
“Refrigerator” is pronounced rih-FRIHJ-uh-ray-tuh (/ɹɪˈfɹɪd͡ʒ.əˌɹeɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “refrigerator” in a sentence?
Here is “refrigerator” used in a sentence: “Put the milk back in the refrigerator when you're done.”
What is another word for “refrigerator”?
Words with a similar meaning to “refrigerator” include chiller, coolchest, fridge, frigerator and icebox.
What part of speech is “refrigerator”?
“Refrigerator” is a noun.
Where does the word “refrigerator” come from?
The word “refrigerator” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin refrigerator, "a cooler.".
Is “refrigerator” a common word?
“Refrigerator” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a refrigerator and a freezer?
A refrigerator keeps food and drink cold, typically just above freezing, to slow spoilage while keeping items unfrozen. A freezer holds items well below freezing to preserve them for much longer periods by stopping bacterial growth almost entirely. Many household appliances combine both in a single unit, with a fridge section and a separate freezer compartment.
Is refrigerator more formal than fridge?
Yes, refrigerator is the fuller, more formal term, often used in writing, manuals, and technical contexts, while fridge is the common informal shortening used in everyday speech. Both refer to the same appliance that keeps food and drink cold.
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