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

Mayor Karen Bass and billionaire developer Rick Caruso appeared together at a groundbreaking for the new Palisades Recreation Center on Tuesday, in a sign that the sometimes icy relationship between the two 2022 mayoral rivals is thawing. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence. — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Authorities said the climber tried to slide down a snowy or icy slope during his descent but lost control and went about 500 feet down the mountain. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Shabana Azeez glows in gold, and Supriya Ganesh shimmers in an icy blue gown. — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 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