chilly

1 of 2

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

chilliness

2 of 2

noun

chill·​i·​ness ˈchi-lē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being chilly

Synonyms of chilly

Adjective

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

Examples of chilly in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

For potted geraniums, consider bringing them indoors if an unseasonable chilly night is forecasted. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026

Hill says even the curtain washing is better left for a snow (or, at least moderately chilly) day. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Stay cozy during the chillier days of spring with a light, soft cardigan. — Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Monochrome Fit Summer weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings and blistering hot afternoons. — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

and Noun

First Known Use

Adjective

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