frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

a

: attended with or producing frost : freezing

b

: briskly cold : chilly

2

: covered or appearing as if covered with frost : hoary

… a man of 65, with frosty eyebrows and hair …

—Nan Robertson

3

: marked by coolness or extreme reserve in manner

… his smile was distinctly frosty.

—Erle Stanley Gardner

frostily

ˈfrȯ-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

ˈfrȯ-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of frosty

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

Examples of frosty in a Sentence

We received a frosty welcome.

a frosty autumn that was a sign of the brutal winter that followed

Recent Examples on the Web

The relationship between the Heat and James initially was frosty but his since thawed. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

From the jars, bottles, boxes, and bags that fill our fridges and pantries to the frosty contents of our coolers, each item is chosen with intention. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

While your old-fashioneds get frosty, reflect on just how easy that was. — Al Culliton, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026

Queen Elizabeth had perhaps a frostier relationship with another infamous prime minister. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

: cold enough to produce frost

a frosty night

2

: covered or appearing to be covered with frost

a frosty glass

3

: cool in manner

frostily

-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

-stē-nəs 

noun