icebox

[ ahys-boks ]

noun

1. an insulated cabinet or chest with a partition for ice, used for preserving or cooling food, beverages, etc.
2. Older Use. an electric or gas refrigerator.
3. Nautical. an enclosed area in the bottom of a vessel through which sea water can be pumped up for use in the condenser in icy waters.
4. Slang. an isolation cell in a prison.

icebox

/ ˈaɪsˌbɒks /

noun

1. a compartment in a refrigerator for storing or making ice
2. an insulated cabinet packed with ice for storing food
3. a refrigerator

Word History and Origins

Origin of icebox¹

First recorded in 1830–40; ice + box ¹

Example Sentences

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, the frozen bear meat of the American political icebox.

From Slate

Nelson shoved him against an icebox, pulled out his gun and shot him in the abdomen, Calfo said.

From Seattle Times

Mother Nature is finally taking us out of the icebox.

From Seattle Times

“We often have lunch here,” said shop manager Paul Rimlinger, gesturing to a coffee machine and an “icebox” in one corner.

From Seattle Times

It is a misdemeanor in Washington to abandon a fridge, icebox or deep freezer that is at least one and a half cubic feet in size anywhere children can access it.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bitter
• bleak
• brisk
• chilled
• cool
• crisp
• frigid
• frosty
• frozen
• icy
• intense
• raw
• snowy
• wintry