What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cooler
Example
We brought a cooler full of drinks to the beach. [cooler: noun]
Example
The office was too hot, so we turned on the cooler. [cooler: noun]
Example
He's always a cooler head in a crisis. [cooler: adjective]
icebox
Example
My grandmother used to keep milk in the icebox. [icebox: noun]
Example
We filled the icebox with ice to keep the drinks cold. [icebox: noun]
Example
It was so cold outside that it felt like stepping into an icebox. [icebox: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cooler is more commonly used than icebox in everyday language. Cooler is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while icebox is an older term that is less commonly used today.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cooler and icebox?
Both cooler and icebox are informal terms that are appropriate for casual conversations and settings. However, cooler may be slightly more formal due to its association with modern technology and convenience.
