freezing

1 of 2

adjective

freez·​ing ˈfrē-ziŋ 

1

: very cold

"Put on your jacket. It's freezing outside!"

Addy rushed home through the darkening streets as if she were pushed along by the wind. She was freezing!

—Connie Porter

2

: being at or below the temperature at which water freezes

a forecast for freezing temperatures overnight

freezing adverb

The weather was freezing cold. [=very cold]

freezingly adverb

freezingly cold temperatures

Mrs. Reed's hands still lay on her work inactive: her eye of ice continued to dwell freezingly on mine.

—Charlotte Brontë

freezing

2 of 2

noun

: the temperature at which water freezes

temperatures dipping below freezing

Synonyms

Adjective

• cold
• icy
• frigid
• chilly
• chill
• cool

Examples of freezing in a Sentence

Adjective

why aren't you wearing a coat, as it's freezing outside?

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Land O'Lakes recommends freezing sticks in their original carton. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 June 2025

The man then made the couple go outside in the freezing rain, according to prosecutors. —Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025

Noun

While intimidation is sadly par for the course for local NGOs in the Philippines, the freezing of the bank accounts was devastating. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025

To get rid of the residue, wait until outdoor temperatures rise above freezing, then use a garden hose to wash the plants. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing freezing

• freezing point
• freezing rain

Rhymes for freezing

• easing
• pleasing
• seizing
• sneezing
• squeezing
• teasing
• wheezing
• appeasing
• displeasing