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

With little more than a motorboat and a West Virginia pond, Giuliano and his cast managed to deliver a uniquely chilling slasher. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Kuş is a firecracker of a performer, adding lively dimensions to the chilling atmosphere when things go bump in the night, and Connie begins hearing strange, unsettling sounds through her hearing aid. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

The younger Lansky recalled a chilling incident from his childhood, when his grandfather's notoriety and perceived wealth nearly led to his kidnapping. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

This is classic game theory that calls to mind the chilling 1950s debates over second strikes and counterforce. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 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