icebox

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'icebox' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a refrigerator or cold storage space. It is often used in a more informal context in the United States. Example sentence: We used to have an old icebox in the kitchen when I was a kid.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Entertainment sites therefore either have to settle for a tiny audience, or to programme for narrowband (as Icebox does).

The Economist

If he could somehow save enough for an icebox, a day's wage would not have bought a pound of meat to put in it.

The Economist

"Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" is what my mother would have called a kakabarly — a large, foaming broth into which she emptied the forlorn and highly miscellaneous contents of her icebox.

The New Yorker

After that, she bought a small icebox for the bedroom where she slept, though she continued to keep the larger items in the kitchen refrigerator.

The New Yorker

Comment on the phosphorescent meat that turned up in the icebox of Mexia, Texas.

The New Yorker

In his icebox, the writer found a package labelled "Gilbert's Frozen Boneless Veal Steaks".

The New Yorker

(Impressions of one who has only read the newspapers) Each girl is made entirely of chromium, and she lives in a special icebox backstage, provided for that purpose.

The New Yorker

His was the only room with its own kitchen setup in a small alcove — a stove, icebox, and sink.

The New Yorker

After he had cleaned and dusted the room, he put an order to it all, as he had done with the things on the table — the dishes and food in mouseproof cannisters on the table beside the icebox, the two framed posters of mountains on the wall that were tilting to the left, the five photographs of unknown children on the bureau.

The New Yorker

It had an icebox, a bed, a dresser with a mirror over it, a small table next to the bed, a chair just beside the door, and not much else.

The New Yorker

Hey! My father had a great big walk-in icebox downstairs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience: in some regions or age groups, "icebox" might sound old-fashioned or unfamiliar; prefer "refrigerator" for broader clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "icebox" to describe contemporary refrigerators; reserve it for historical or stylistic contexts. Using "refrigerator" is generally safer and more accurate for modern appliances.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "icebox" is as a noun. It typically refers to a container or compartment used for keeping items cold, historically using ice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "icebox" functions primarily as a noun referring to a container for keeping items cold, especially in a historical context. While grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "icebox" and the more modern term, "refrigerator". Ludwig examples demonstrate that "icebox" often appears in news and media, as well as nostalgic narratives, while alternatives like "fridge", "cooler", or "cold storage" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Using "icebox" can evoke a sense of nostalgia or a specific time period, making it a valuable term for historical or creative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrigerator

More modern and widely used term for a device that keeps food cold.

fridge

An informal and shortened version of refrigerator.

refrigerated box

Emphasizes the cooled aspect of the container.

cooler

A portable container for keeping things cold.

chiller

Highlights the cooling function, can refer to industrial applications.

cold storage

Refers to a space designed for maintaining a low temperature.

cold cupboard

A storage space that's kept cold.

freezer

Specifically for freezing, maintaining temperatures below freezing point.

portable cooler

A smaller, transportable version for keeping items chilled.

walk-in refrigerator

A large, accessible cold storage room.

FAQs

What is the difference between an "icebox" and a "refrigerator"?

An "icebox" is an older type of cooling device that used ice to keep food cold, while a "refrigerator" is a modern appliance that uses electricity to maintain a cold temperature.

When is it appropriate to use the term "icebox" instead of "refrigerator"?

Use "icebox" when referring to historical contexts, older appliances, or when trying to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Otherwise, "refrigerator" is the more common and accurate term.

Can "icebox" be used to describe any type of cooling device?

No, "icebox" specifically refers to a type of non-electric cooler that uses ice. Using it for modern, electric coolers is inaccurate.

What are some other words for "icebox"?

While "refrigerator" is the most common synonym, other terms include "fridge", "cooler", or "cold storage", depending on the specific context.