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
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.
Who among us hasn’t dabbled in a little wishful thinking about the future until they’re shaken to the core by the uncertainties of it all while covered in cold sweat? Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2025 Faceless YouTube Channels Being on camera makes a lot of people break into a cold sweat. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 As someone who has been waking up with cold sweats since hitting my 30s, I am sold—especially because of its impressive sale price. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025 As in heart racing, breaking out in a cold sweat, and having to self-medicate with a large Dairy Queen chocolate dipped ice cream cone scary. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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