chilly

adjective

ˈchi-lē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
chillier; chilliest
Synonyms of chillynext
1
: noticeably cold : chilling
a chilly day
2
: unpleasantly affected by cold
chilly spectators
3
: lacking warmth of feeling : unfriendly
a chilly reception
4
: tending to arouse fear or apprehension
chilly suspicions
chillily
ˈchi-lə-lē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
adverb
chilliness
ˈchi-lē-nəs How to pronounce chilly (audio)
noun

Synonyms of chilly

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Examples of chilly in a Sentence

It's a little chilly outside. You must be chilly without a coat on. They gave him a chilly reception.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lightweight sweater is cozy for chilly flights, breezy ferry rides, or cool evenings by the water, but doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 The chilliest option on this list, ice diving at Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a thrilling, health-boosting, and mood-enhancing water experience. — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 This weekend, daytime highs in Eureka will be in the mid-to-upper 60s — cooler even than San Francisco, so famed for its chilly summers. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Believe it or not music festivals can become quite chilly once the sunsets which means smart layering can save you from shivering all night. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chilly

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilly was in 1567

Rhymes for chilly

See All Rhymes for chilly

Browse Nearby Words

chillumchee
chilly
chill zone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chilly

adjective
ˈchil-ē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
chillier; chilliest
1
: noticeably cold
2
: unpleasantly affected by cold
3
: not friendly
a chilly response
chilliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on chilly

Nglish: Translation of chilly for Spanish Speakers

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