chilly

adjective

ˈchi-lē 

chillier; chilliest

1

: noticeably cold : chilling

a chilly day

2

: unpleasantly affected by cold

chilly spectators

3

: lacking warmth of feeling : unfriendly

a chilly reception

4

: tending to arouse fear or apprehension

chilly suspicions

chillily

ˈchi-lə-lē 

adverb

chilliness

ˈchi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of chilly

• chilling
• chill
• bleak
• bitter
• cold
• frigid
• brisk
• icy
• freezing

Examples of chilly in a Sentence

It's a little chilly outside.

You must be chilly without a coat on.

They gave him a chilly reception.

Recent Examples on the Web

Saturday afternoon will be breezy and chilly, with afternoon temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The format treats skin tones differently than digital IMAX, finding more warmth while also playing up the blue-gray pallor that extends the often chilly cinematography. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Lee shot the scene on a chilly fall morning, though it was supposed to take place on a hot summer day. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Adding a leather jacket or vest on top or a turtleneck underneath is a nice way to balance the chillier weather too. — Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chilly

• billie
• billy
• chilli
• dilly
• filly
• frilly
• gillie
• gilly
• hilly
• lily
• philly
• really

Kids Definition

chilly

adjective

ˈchil-ē 

chillier; chilliest

1

: noticeably cold

2

: unpleasantly affected by cold

3

: not friendly

a chilly response

chilliness noun