icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

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 

adverb

iciness

ˈī-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of icy

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

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

Alaska is a state of pure beauty—a vast, beautiful destination filled with icy fjords and snowy peaks. — Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

More crucially, it was used during a sequence set along an icy river while George Washington is traversing the uncharted Ohio Territory wilderness. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 7 July 2026

And though Prince Harry reunited with his father, King Charles, in the fall of 2025, the icy relationship between the brothers shows few signs of melting. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Inside the butterfly, Sinot applied a shimmery blend of icy white and mauve shadows anchored by a thick wing of black eyeliner and lush false lashes. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing icy

• icy cold

Rhymes for icy

• dicey
• pricey
• spicy
• devisee
• theodicy

Kids Definition

icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

1

a

: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice

b

: very cold

icy weather

2

: unfriendly sense 1

icily

-sə-lē 

adverb

iciness

-sē-nəs 

noun