water cooler

a container for holding drinking water that is cooled and drawn off by a faucet or spigot.

a drinking fountain in which water is cooled by mechanical refrigeration.

Origin of water cooler

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

If 2014 was any indication, the coming TV schedule is sure to be filled with plenty of water-cooler shows.

Four TV Shows We Can’t Wait to Return In 2015 |DISH |December 22, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
It often reads like water-cooler conversation or, worse, like a Larry King interview.

The Obligation to be Interesting: James Wolcott’s “Critical Mass” |William Giraldi |October 24, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
On a self-promotional level, they know such stories are water-cooler material and magnets for traffic.

The Media Fantasize About Ben Affleck Vying for John Kerry’s Seat |Lauren Ashburn |December 22, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
As for ordinary folks, water-cooler talk tends to revolve around a memorable line or telling anecdote.

Romney Camp Defends Eastwood |Howard Kurtz |August 31, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

The water-cooler was left empty, and the incubator was in a state of dampness alarming to behold.

Harper's Round Table, July 9, 1895 |Various
It comprised a cheerless waiting-room, with a stove, bench and water-cooler for furniture, and a little ticket office at one end.

Chasing an Iron Horse |Edward Robins
"That's good," said Mary Turner, as she went to the water-cooler.

Six Little Bunkers at Aunt Jo's |Laura Lee Hope
After a copious raid on the water-cooler, Theodora returned, feeling a little bloated, but much more composed and natural.

Atlantic Narratives |Mary Antin
He arose to his feet and walked out of the room into the hallway of the building, where in one corner there was a water-cooler.

Dave Porter and His Double |Edward Stratemeyer

water cooler

a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water

informal

indicating the kind of informal conversation among office staff that takes place at such a dispenserwater-cooler conversations
indicating an event, television programme, etc, sufficiently controversial or otherwise noteworthy to provide subject matter for such conversationswater-cooler television; a water-cooler moment