Word
icebreaker
Phoneticsice·break·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaɪsˌbɹeɪkɝ/
UK/ˈaɪsbɹeɪkɐ/
Definition
n. a short play or activity that helps people in a group get to know each other and feel more comfortable. It is often used at the start of a meeting or a social event.
n. a short theatrical performance or social activity designed to reduce tension and encourage interaction among participants. Often used as a prelude to a larger event to establish a sense of community.
Examples
“The host performed a short icebreaker before the meeting started.”
“The workshop began with a fun icebreaker where everyone shared a childhood memory to help them relax.”
“While the primary goal of the conference was professional networking, the organizers included a series of creative icebreakers to ensure that attendees felt at ease before the formal sessions began.”
Examples
simple
“The host performed a short icebreaker before the meeting started.”
contextual
“The workshop began with a fun icebreaker where everyone shared a childhood memory to help them relax.”
complex
“While the primary goal of the conference was professional networking, the organizers included a series of creative icebreakers to ensure that attendees felt at ease before the formal sessions began.”
Real-World Examples
“Icebreaker ships are relatively few, and they are prohibitively expensive.” Etymology
From ice + breaker, in the figurative sense from the expression to break the ice.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/icebreaker