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

Parts of northwest Iowa may also experience freezing rain late Friday into early Saturday. —Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Several school districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire delayed the start of classes Friday because of a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Some slick spots possible early Tuesday from freezing rain in our colder areas. —Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2026

Several school districts have opted for remote instruction March 2 as a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain moves through parts of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Mar. 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)