water cooler

American  

noun

1. a container for holding drinking water that is cooled and drawn off by a faucet or spigot.

2. a drinking fountain in which water is cooled by mechanical refrigeration.

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water cooler British  

noun

1. a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water

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1. informal

   1. indicating the kind of informal conversation among office staff that takes place at such a dispenser

      water-cooler conversations

   2. indicating an event, television programme, etc, sufficiently controversial or otherwise noteworthy to provide subject matter for such conversations

      water-cooler television

      a water-cooler moment

Etymology

Origin of water cooler

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Shipka got her start when she was just 6 years old on “Mad Men,” a series filled with the kind of jaw-dropping sequences made for water cooler conversation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

Even when we grouse about our jobs, by the water cooler and over Slack, the complaint is rarely about working hard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Martin books call the closing event in Sunday’s episode of “House of the Dragon” — is likely to be a major Westeros water cooler moment.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2024

For sure, he doesn’t want to be remembered mostly as the guy who foolishly broke his foot kicking a water cooler in frustration.

From Washington Times • Dec. 13, 2023

The forge is cool, the water cooler, and for a second, my fevered shaking slows.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Related Words

• water fountain