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
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.
Meanwhile, heavy snow and freezing rain blasted in northern Michigan, leading to widespread power outages. Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025 When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025 The western portion of the state is forecast to see snow that will transition to rain with a period of freezing rain, which will end by the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 In the northern part of the state, 1-2 inches of snow are expected in most areas before changing to freezing rain or regular rain, according to the NWS office in Gaylord. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for freezing rain

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of freezing rain was in 1672

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Cite this Entry

“Freezing rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freezing%20rain. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

freezing rain

noun
: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (as the ground)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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