freezing rain

noun

: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (such as the ground)

But to Healy's surprise, a glaze of freezing rain began to appear on the windshield.

—Jon Vara

This also explains why the stuff we call freezing rain … falls as a liquid but then turns to a sheet of ice when it strikes the pavement or a tree branch.

—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.

compare hail entry 1, sleet entry 1, snow entry 1

Examples of freezing rain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. —Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026

When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026

Compounding the effects of the freeze were multiple waves of snowfall, freezing rain and sleet that accompanied the arrival of the frigid air mass in Texas. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026

When a winter storm slammed 34 states with a destructive mix of ice, heavy snow and freezing rain late last month, David Dellal stood ready with a product that could help. —P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for freezing rain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane

Kids Definition

freezing rain

noun

: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (as the ground)