ice

noun, often attributive

\ ˈīs

Definition of ice

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : frozen water

b : a sheet or stretch of ice

2 : a substance resembling ice especially : the solid state of a substance usually found as a gas or liquid ammonia ice in the rings of Saturn

3 : a state of coldness (as from formality or reserve)

4a : a frozen dessert containing a flavoring (such as fruit juice) especially : one containing no milk or cream

b British : a serving of ice cream

5 slang : diamonds broadly : jewelry

6 : an undercover premium paid to a theater employee for choice theater tickets

7 : crystal meth

on ice

1 : with every likelihood of being won or accomplished

2 : in reserve or safekeeping

on thin ice

: in a precarious or risky situation

ice

verb

iced; icing

Definition of ice (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1a : to coat with or convert into ice

b : to chill with ice

c : to supply with ice

2 : to cover with or as if with icing

3 : to put on ice

4 : secure sense 1b made two free throws … to ice the win— Jack McCallum

5 : to shoot (an ice hockey puck) the length of the rink and beyond the opponents' goal line

6 slang : kill sense 1a

intransitive verb

1 : to become ice-cold

2a : to become covered with ice —often used with up or over

b : to have ice form inside

-ice

noun suffix

\ əs\

Definition of -ice (Entry 3 of 5)

: act service : quality justice : condition cowardice

Ice

abbreviation (1)

Definition of Ice (Entry 4 of 5)

Iceland

ICE

abbreviation (2)

Definition of ICE (Entry 5 of 5)

1 Immigration and Customs Enforcement In March 2003, the Homeland Security Act set into motion what would be the single-largest government reorganization since the creation of the Department of Defense. One of the agencies in the new Department of Homeland Security was the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, now known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE. — www.ice.gov/history

2 in case of emergency Enter an ICE (in case of emergency) listing in the address book of your cell phone. Place the ICE acronym next to a person who can assist emergency workers if any important medical decisions need to be made.— Andrew Weil

3 internal combustion engine

4 International Cultural Exchange

Other Words from ice Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about ice

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Examples of ice in a Sentence

Noun

The steps were coated with ice. Ice formed on the car's windows. The ice melted quickly in the hot sun. She skated out onto the ice. He almost fell through a hole in the ice. Fill the glass with ice. He gave her some ice for her birthday.

Verb

Ice the glasses before you fill them. with that win, the team has pretty much iced a spot in the play-offs

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Here are the latest tips for summer trips across the Sierra: Tahoe Basin Echo Lakes/Desolation: Echo Lakes finally became ice-free last weekend. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Snow thaw means Sierra campgrounds finally opening for summer," 20 June 2019 Drip and cold brew coffee are served up next to organic ice teas. — Georgann Yara, azcentral, "These Phoenix hair stylists were tired of the vacant space next to their salon. So they opened a bakery," 20 June 2019 Eventually, researchers want to send Boaty on an epic voyage, crossing under Arctic sea ice. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Results of Boaty McBoatface’s First Research Mission Published," 20 June 2019 The Home Edit team installed a bevy of lazy Susans to spin around towers of frozen treats, including ice cream cones, pints and bars; Luigi’s Italian ice cups; Menchie’s fro-yo; Spongebob push-pop popsicles and so much more. — Hannah Chubb, PEOPLE.com, "Peek Inside Khloé Kardashian's Newly Organized Fridge — and Learn How to Recreate It Yourself," 19 June 2019 Volunteers will set up attractions like an ice sculpture, photo booth, hair and makeup stations, and a dance floor. — Zekriah Chaudhry, Twin Cities, "A night to remember: Community works to create a prom for adults with disabilities," 19 June 2019 This head-on positioning, coupled with the pieces of ice floating in Saturn's rings, enhance the planet's overall brightness. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "How to Watch Saturn Cozy Up to the Moon Tonight," 18 June 2019 The texture is unbelievably creamy, without even a hint of ice crystal. — Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, "The Hype Ice Cream I’m Willing to Wait in Long, Near-Rioting Lines For," 18 June 2019 Fresh ice freezes the neighboring water, creating a nice orderly progression across the puddle called a freeze front. — Mary Beth Griggs, The Verge, "The science behind those viral videos of freezing soap bubbles," 18 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Her major weakness, however, is iced tea and the sweetener Equal. — Vogue, "5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kim Kardashian West," 10 Apr. 2019 The lemon tea was polarizing; some of tasters enjoyed it as a mellower take on iced tea, while others didn’t care for it. — Sunset, "Our Favorite Sparkling CBD Drinks Are Relaxation in a Can," 22 Jan. 2018 On the night of his 27th birthday, Heaney iced the Royals more than once. — Maria Torres, kansascity, "Royals are one-hit by Andrew Heaney in second straight loss to Angels," 5 June 2018 But Davis iced the game away in the final seconds the way superstars are supposed to on the biggest stage. — William Guillory, NOLA.com, "Anthony Davis feels unburdened after earning first career playoff win," 15 Apr. 2018 As any doughnut lover knows, happiness is chocolate-iced, custard-filled, or apple frittered deliciousness. — Southern Living, "You're Going to Love Krispy Kreme's St. Patrick's Day Doughnuts," 12 Mar. 2018 To make ahead, store all the cookies at room temperature (using wax paper between layers of iced, frosted or filled cookies) for up to 2 weeks. — Woman's Day, "Stained Glass Cookies," 29 Nov. 2011 And after an exciting day spent horseback riding and clay shooting, the outdoor shower was icing on the cake. — Condé Nast Traveler, "3 Best Day Trips from Houston," 12 Oct. 2018 The fact that rental is a more sustainable form of consumption was simply icing on the cake. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Need a New Dress for Awards Season—or Just Friday Night Dinner? Rent It at Armarium and Eco-Age’s Pop-Up in Los Angeles," 1 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ice.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for ice

Noun

Middle English is, from Old English īs; akin to Old High German īs ice, Avestan isu- icy

Noun suffix

French, suffix forming nouns from nouns and adjectives, going back to Old French -ise, -ice, partially nativized borrowing from Latin -itia, suffix forming nouns from adjectives (usually monosyllabic), extended form of -ia -ia entry 1, and -itium, forming nouns usually designating status (as servitium service entry 1) from personal nouns