chilling

1 of 2

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchi-liŋ 

: gravely disturbing or frightening

a chilling case of abuse

chillingly

ˈchi-liŋ-lē 

adverb

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

Synonyms of chilling

Adjective

• chilly
• chill
• bleak
• bitter
• cold

Examples of chilling in a Sentence

Adjective

a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the documentary, Barker remembers the events of the night in chilling detail. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026

The order also allowed a temporary chilling system, which was installed without permits, to remain in place. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

The case has drawn national attention with chilling evidence, abandoned psychiatric defenses and a vocal online movement casting Mangione as a symbol of anger at the health insurance industry. — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Arresting people who question local government creates a chilling effect that can reach far beyond one small town. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1815, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chilling

• bone-chilling
• spine-chilling

Rhymes for chilling

• billing
• drilling
• filling
• grilling
• killing
• milling
• pilling
• rilling
• schilling
• shilling
• skilling
• spilling

Kids Definition

chilling

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchil-iŋ 

: very disturbing or frightening

a chilling case of abuse

chillingly adverb