English Reference
Noun

icebreaker

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈaɪsˌbɹeɪkɝ/ UK /ˈaɪsbɹeɪkɐ/ ice·break·er UK spelling icebreakers Theater

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.


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.


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.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated