icy

adjective

ˈī-sē How to pronounce icy (audio)
icier; iciest
Synonyms of icynext
1
a
: covered with, abounding in, or consisting of ice
b
: intensely cold
2
: characterized by coldness : frigid
an icy stare
also : steely
icy nerves
icily
ˈī-sə-lē How to pronounce icy (audio)
adverb
iciness
ˈī-sē-nəs How to pronounce icy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of icy

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Examples of icy in a Sentence

an icy drink that was especially refreshing on that hot afternoon she wondered why the salesclerk at the boutique had given her an icy glare
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.
That goes double for The Devil Wears Prada’s tyrannical Miranda Priestly, in which Streep turns an icy glare into a weapon tantamount to Leatherface’s chainsaw. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 The icy-blonde waves cascaded down her pink satin robe, which featured billowing, semi-sheer sleeves. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 Perseid shooting stars appear as Earth enters the debris trail cast off by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The Arctic, often seen as merely a remote, icy landscape, actually plays a central role in regulating the planet’s climate. — Daniel Peck, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for icy

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of icy was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing icy

Rhymes for icy

See All Rhymes for icy

Browse Nearby Words

ICW
icy
icy cold
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Cite this Entry

“Icy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

icy

adjective
ˈī-sē How to pronounce icy (audio)
icier; iciest
1
a
: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice
b
: very cold
icy weather
2
: unfriendly sense 1
icily
-sə-lē How to pronounce icy (audio)
adverb
iciness
-sē-nəs How to pronounce icy (audio)
noun

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