# refrigerate

/ɹɪˈfɹɪdʒɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˈɪdʒəɹˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refrigerate
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

to keep food or drink cold by putting it in a refrigerator so it stays fresh.

For teachers: to subject food, drink, or biological samples to cold temperatures for preservation. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- You should refrigerate the milk after you open it.
- The instructions on the bottle clearly state that you must refrigerate the medicine after opening to maintain its effectiveness.
- While some vegetables thrive at room temperature, leafy greens and dairy products require constant cooling, so it is essential to refrigerate them immediately after purchase.

## Pitfalls

- Not "refrigerate for two hours" but "refrigerate it for two hours" — Refrigerate is a transitive verb and requires an object (like 'it' or the name of the food) before the time phrase.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.