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

Wear it on chilly mornings, at outdoor sporting events, around the firepit, while traveling, or sleeping under the stars. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

In addition to being smokeless and producing clean heat on chilly evenings, this fire pit offers unmatched portability and easy cleanup. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026

The thick knit has rib detailing throughout the sweater, and the material is breathable to work for chilly days and nights. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Toss this cropped cardigan in your bag to layer over tanks and dresses, or reach for the cozy half-zip fleece on chillier days. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 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