Cool
/kuːl/
Definitions
4 meaningsHaving a temperature that is not very high or hot.
/kuːl/
Having a low or refreshing temperature.
The air inside the cave was cool.
💡 Simply: When something's 'cool,' it's like a nice, refreshing drink on a sunny day. It's not too hot, and it feels good!
👶 For kids: Not hot! Like when you have ice cream.
More Examples
I prefer a cool drink on a hot day.
How It's Used
"The water in the lake was cool and inviting."
Fashionable, impressive, or admirable.
/kuːl/
Fashionable, stylish, or impressive.
That new phone is so cool!
💡 Simply: When something's 'cool,' it's like saying, 'Wow, that's awesome!' It's trendy, it's stylish, and it's something you like.
👶 For kids: Really good! Like your favorite toy.
More Examples
He's a cool guy to hang out with.
The music had a cool vibe.
How It's Used
"That new car is really cool!"
"She's got a really cool sense of style."
Calm, composed, and showing no strong emotion.
/kuːl/
Calm and not easily excited or upset.
Despite the chaos, she stayed cool and collected.
💡 Simply: Being 'cool' can also mean staying calm and collected, like a superhero who never loses their cool even when things get tough.
👶 For kids: Not getting angry or upset easily.
More Examples
Try to keep a cool head during the negotiation.
How It's Used
"He remained cool under pressure during the interview."
"Maintaining a cool composure can help manage stress."
To become less enthusiastic or excited, or to calm down.
/kuːl/
To become less enthusiastic or excited.
His enthusiasm for the idea began to cool after a while.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, you start with lots of excitement, but as time goes on, the 'cool' factor diminishes.
👶 For kids: To calm down when you're excited.
More Examples
The market for these products has cooled significantly.
Let the coffee cool before you drink it.
How It's Used
"The initial excitement about the project eventually cooled."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
keep your cool
To remain calm in a difficult situation.
"Even when the building caught on fire, the firefighters kept their cool and quickly put the flames out."
From Old English *cōl*, related to *cēle* ('cold'). The meaning evolved from denoting physical temperature to a broader sense of appealing, fashionable, or calm.
The word 'cool' has been used in English for centuries, starting with the sense of physical temperature. The slang meaning emerged in the 20th century, particularly in jazz culture.
Memory tip
Think of a breeze on a hot day; that's cool.
Word Origin
"cold"