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

Her successor, Rishi Sunak, thawed the frosty EU relationship without making major changes. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

Cooling off in the summer means frosty drinks, pool days, and the cooling breeze of a ceiling fan. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

There’s nothing like a frosty, tangy and vibrant margarita, especially paired with Tex-Mex fare. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 21 June 2026

Cover and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 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