cold sweat

noun

: concurrent perspiration and chill usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Examples of cold sweat in a Sentence

The patient feels faint and is in a cold sweat. I break out in a cold sweat when I think about asking my boss for a pay raise.
Recent Examples on the Web Heart attack symptoms can sometimes show up in the arms, back, neck, and jaw, and can bring on shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness, and vomiting—all of which are more common among women. Katie Camero, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024 Her breathing grew ragged, and cold sweat oozed from her armpits. Haruki Murakami, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024 With a little planning, there’s no need to break into a cold sweat over getting insufferably sweaty this summer. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 June 2024 Symptoms of seasickness can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and cold sweats. Megan Dubois, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cold sweat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cold sweat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold sweat was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near cold sweat

Cite this Entry

“Cold sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sweat. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration and chill occurring together and usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Medical Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration accompanied by feelings of chill or cold and usually induced or accompanied by dread, fear, or shock

More from Merriam-Webster on cold sweat

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