: gravely disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chilling
2 of 2present participle of chill entry 3
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
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
In addition, staff writer Eric Sondheimer placed in the top 10 for short features for his report highlighting the chilling impact ICE raids had on high school football workouts.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Hamilton achieves an airy mode of self-astonishment that by degrees turns completely chilling.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Supporters argue the bill is needed to deter political violence, while a civil liberties group raises concerns about chilling free speech.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Once the flowers and foliage fade, the bulbs should be dug up from the garden, allowed to dry, and stored until the fall to begin the chilling process again.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
In addition, staff writer Eric Sondheimer placed in the top 10 for short features for his report highlighting the chilling impact ICE raids had on high school football workouts.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Hamilton achieves an airy mode of self-astonishment that by degrees turns completely chilling.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Supporters argue the bill is needed to deter political violence, while a civil liberties group raises concerns about chilling free speech.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chilling
adjective
chill·ing
ˈchil-iŋ 
: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
