Icebreaker Meaning in English

word

US

ˈaɪsˌbɹeɪkɝ

EYS-bray-ker

UK

ˈaɪsbɹeɪkɐ

EYS-bray-kuh

Definition

A simple activity or question used to help people feel more relaxed and start talking in a group, especially when they do not know each other.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in business, education, and social events. Common collocations: 'play an icebreaker', 'use an icebreaker', 'icebreaker activity/question'. Can also refer to a literal special ship for breaking ice, but that is rare in conversation.

• Spanish: rompehielos (conversación) - dinámica de grupo
• Portuguese (BR): quebra-gelo (dinâmica) - quebra-gelo (conversa)
• Portuguese (PT): quebra-gelo (dinâmica) - quebra-gelo (conversa)
• Chinese (Simplified): 破冰活动 - 破冰话题
• Chinese (Traditional): 破冰活動 - 破冰話題
• Hindi: पहली झिझक तोड़ने वाला (बात/गतिविधि)
• Arabic: كاسر الجليد (نشاط تعارف) - موضوع بداية المحادثة
• Bengali: আইসব্রেকার - পরিবেশ সহজ করার খেলা/কথাবার্তা
• Russian: разминка - айсбрейкер (игра/вопрос)
• Japanese: アイスブレイク - アイスブレーカー (活動/質問)
• Vietnamese: trò khởi động - câu hỏi khởi động
• Korean: 아이스브레이커 - 분위기를 푸는 활동
• Turkish: ısınma etkinliği - buz kırıcı (etkinlik/soru)
• Urdu: آئس بریکر - پہلا دوستانہ سوال/سرگرمی
• Indonesian: icebreaker - aktivitas pembuka

Example Sentences

Let's start the meeting with an icebreaker.

basic

The teacher used a fun icebreaker to help the students relax.

basic

Can you suggest a good icebreaker for our team?

basic

Telling a funny story is often a great icebreaker.

natural

That awkward silence? Time for an icebreaker!

natural

We played a silly icebreaker and everyone started laughing.

natural