frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

a

: attended with or producing frost : freezing

b

: briskly cold : chilly

2

: covered or appearing as if covered with frost : hoary

… a man of 65, with frosty eyebrows and hair …

—Nan Robertson

3

: marked by coolness or extreme reserve in manner

… his smile was distinctly frosty.

—Erle Stanley Gardner

frostily

ˈfrȯ-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

ˈfrȯ-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of frosty

• icy
• cold
• frigid
• chilly
• freezing
• chill
• cool

Examples of frosty in a Sentence

We received a frosty welcome.

a frosty autumn that was a sign of the brutal winter that followed

Recent Examples on the Web

The relationship between the Heat and James initially was frosty after their breakup, but is now strong. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

From cozy, nostalgic desserts to frosty treats and festive drinks, our recipes make the most of these jewel-like berries. — Anna Kovel, Martha Stewart, 10 July 2026

Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez just proved frosty blue shadow is perfect for summer. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 July 2026

Thanks to two-way lids designed to open from the wide front or back side, several Iceco fridge models already offer versatile access to the frosty contents inside. — New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

: cold enough to produce frost

a frosty night

2

: covered or appearing to be covered with frost

a frosty glass

3

: cool in manner

frostily

-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

-stē-nəs 

noun