freezing

1 of 3

adjective

freez·​ing ˈfrē-ziŋ 

1

: very cold

"Put on your jacket. It's freezing outside!"

Addy rushed home through the darkening streets as if she were pushed along by the wind. She was freezing!

—Connie Porter

2

: being at or below the temperature at which water freezes

a forecast for freezing temperatures overnight

freezing adverb

The weather was freezing cold. [=very cold]

freezingly adverb

freezingly cold temperatures

Mrs. Reed's hands still lay on her work inactive: her eye of ice continued to dwell freezingly on mine.

—Charlotte Brontë

freezing

2 of 3

noun

: the temperature at which water freezes

temperatures dipping below freezing

freezing

3 of 3

present participle of freeze entry 1

Synonyms of freezing

Adjective

• cold
• icy
• frigid
• chilly
• chill
• cool

Examples of freezing in a Sentence

Adjective

why aren't you wearing a coat, as it's freezing outside?

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If freezing raw, shape them, freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a bag; thaw in the fridge overnight and brown as directed. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

On average, Boise won’t see highs in the freezing range until December rolls around. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Remove ripe or overripe fruit from your kitchen as quickly as possible by eating, refrigerating, freezing, or composting it. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

As a precaution, signs will be posted on the Hoan Bridge warning commuters that extra exhaust could inhibit visibility or cause extra freezing. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing freezing

• freezing point
• freezing rain

Rhymes for freezing

• easing
• pleasing
• seizing
• sneezing
• squeezing
• teasing
• wheezing
• appeasing
• displeasing