cold sweat

noun

Synonyms of cold sweatnext
: 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
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.
As the harried solo parent of a sick child, Byrne lets the camera zoom in so close to her character’s insecurities that the audience breaks out in a cold sweat. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 Everything felt all too familiar: the lightheadedness, cold sweats, a violent urge to vomit… But this time, there was no obvious trigger. Angelica Zhiyu Luo, SELF, 3 Mar. 2026 Maybe a sudden break into a cold sweat. Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 17 Feb. 2026 Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cold sweat

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sweat. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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

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