icy

1 of 2

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

iciness

2 of 2

noun

ic·​i·​ness ˈīsēnəs 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being icy

her voice carried … a quality of iciness

—Louis Bromfield

Synonyms of icy

Adjective

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

Examples of icy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

He was last seen on a snow machine that broke through an icy river. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

The Tropical Coco Fresca is a layered pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with chamoy lava Tajin® rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut snow that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat! — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Snow blanketed Dunedin, the South Island’s second-largest city, prompting police to urge residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary because of icy roads. — Reuters, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026

Three of Neptune's moons might have been born from the remnants of ancient icy worlds shattered by Neptune's largest moon, Triton, a new study finds. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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