chilling

1 of 2

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchi-liŋ 

: gravely disturbing or frightening

a chilling case of abuse

chillingly

ˈchi-liŋ-lē 

adverb

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

Synonyms of chilling

Adjective

• chilly
• chill
• bleak
• bitter
• cold

Examples of chilling in a Sentence

Adjective

a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

They shouldn’t be stored below 45 degrees because chilling can cause internal damage and eventually contribute to breakdown and rot, explains Gregorie. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 4 Sep. 2026

To be sure, the new law has had a chilling impact, especially on big players. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Operation Spider’s Web was a spectacular success for Ukrainian forces—and a chilling reminder of the United States’ susceptibility to a similar attack. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Hollywood has been taking on stories set in this world or connected — think the most chilling example, the still incredibly influential 1941 masterpiece Citizen Kane — forever. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1815, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chilling

• bone-chilling
• spine-chilling

Rhymes for chilling

• billing
• drilling
• filling
• grilling
• killing
• milling
• pilling
• rilling
• schilling
• shilling
• skilling
• spilling

Kids Definition

chilling

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchil-iŋ 

: very disturbing or frightening

a chilling case of abuse

chillingly adverb