English Reference
Noun

refresher

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɹɪˈfɹɛʃɝ/ UK /ɹɪfɹˈɛʃɐ/ re·fresh·er UK spelling refreshers Finance Law

n.a short course or activity that helps you remember or improve your knowledge of a subject. You take one when you have forgotten some details or want to stay updated.

n.a short course or session designed to update or reinforce existing knowledge and skills. Often used in professional or educational contexts to bridge gaps in expertise.


SIMPLE

I need a quick refresher on the new tax laws.

CONTEXTUAL

The company offers a mandatory refresher course for all employees before the start of the fiscal year.

COMPLEX

After a decade of working in a different sector, she enrolled in a legal refresher to ensure her practice remained compliant with the latest international standards.

Fast food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell have launched fruit-based so-called refreshers and coffee-adjacent options and other non-caffeine cold drinks aimed at the same audience.

BBC News· 29 Aug 2026

From refresh + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated