icebreaker

noun

ice·​break·​er ˈīs-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce icebreaker (audio)
1
: a ship equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through ice
2
: something that is done or said to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion
Roughly half of all Americans are invested in the market these days, and stock holdings have replaced politics, weather and sports as the go-to conversational icebreaker.Adam Bryant
… she also pays particular attention to icebreakers that relax guests and get them rubbing elbows, such as a cruise up the Colorado River, where guests nibble on hors d'oeuvres and sip Fall Creek wines.Steve Heimoff
see also break the ice at break entry 1

Examples of icebreaker in a Sentence

using an old joke as a conversational icebreaker
Recent Examples on the Web Woo recalls using this question as an icebreaker, and noticing the room became louder and more lively with laughter. Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 May 2024 With Opening Move, women can write and offer an icebreaker prompt for men to respond to. PCMAG, 6 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for icebreaker 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'icebreaker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of icebreaker was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near icebreaker

Cite this Entry

“Icebreaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icebreaker. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

icebreaker

noun
ice·​break·​er -ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce icebreaker (audio)
1
: a ship equipped to make and keep open a channel through ice
2
: something (as a joke or game) that makes one feel more at ease and less reserved (as at a party or meeting)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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