icy

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

Synonyms of icy

• frigid
• cold
• freezing
• chilly
• chill
• cool

Examples of icy in a Sentence

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

Motorists suffered car accidents caused by icy roads. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026

Beneath what looks like solid snow can lie hidden pools of icy water capable of swallowing people, vehicles, and scientific equipment without warning. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026

The icy comet body itself, surrounded by this dust, may have been fairly Earth-like after all. —Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2026

Metro Atlanta has more than enough to offer, from towering sundaes and icy bingsu to swirls of soft serve and vegan ice cream. —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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