chilly

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchi-lē 

chillier; chilliest

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 

adverb

chilliness

ˈchi-lē-nəs 

noun

chilliness

2 of 2

noun

chill·​i·​ness ˈchi-lē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being chilly

Synonyms of chilly

Adjective

• chilling
• chill
• bleak
• bitter
• cold
• frigid
• brisk
• icy
• freezing

Examples of chilly in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Attend a Peaceful Concert in a Historic Church What’s the antidote for the approaching dark, chilly days? — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

The trio honed an aesthetic distinct from neighboring Chicago’s emerging style of house music, stripping out vintage soul for chillier, futuristic productions. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

My airplane layer has to do more than get me through a chilly flight. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2026

On a chilly day, stroll along the park’s boardwalk to view hundreds of manatees congregating in the 72-degree spring waters, something the marine mammals depend upon for survival. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

and Noun

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chilly

• billie
• billy
• chilli
• dilly
• filly
• frilly
• gillie
• gilly
• hilly
• lily
• philly
• really

Kids Definition

chilly

adjective

ˈchil-ē 

chillier; chilliest

1

: noticeably cold

2

: unpleasantly affected by cold

3

: not friendly

a chilly response

chilliness noun