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

The Merino wool feels soft and comfortable while regulating temperature and managing moisture, making a noticeable difference during chillier park days—without making your feet overheat. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

On a chilly day the week before Ramadan, a television crew had transformed a street in central Aleppo into something magical. —ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

There will be one more chilly day before another big February mood swing, with springlike temperatures, gusty winds and a good chance of rain later this week, according to the National Weather Service. —Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026

Monday will be chilly, with highs pushing the lower 20s after a very cold morning. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 23 Feb. 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