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

• icy
• frigid
• chilly
• cold
• 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

While last year’s record-breaking cold may not return in full force, the months ahead promise their fair share of frosty mornings, swirling snowflakes, and cozy nights in. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2025

Most important, the drinks were still frosty, like they had been pulled out of the fridge. —Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025

For his part, South Korea’s Lee has taken preemptive steps to thaw the frosty status between the countries. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025

Summers in the South can be unbearable, but a nice, frosty beverage goes a long way toward taming the heat. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

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