icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

1

a

: covered with, abounding in, or consisting of ice

b

: intensely cold

2

: characterized by coldness : frigid

an icy stare

also : steely

icy nerves

icily

ˈī-sə-lē 

adverb

iciness

ˈī-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of icy

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

Examples of icy in a Sentence

an icy drink that was especially refreshing on that hot afternoon

she wondered why the salesclerk at the boutique had given her an icy glare

Recent Examples on the Web

There was something icy and chilling in Rodgers’s tone. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

When the weather flips back and forth between warm and dry, then cold and snowy, then warm again, the existing snow can partially melt and refreeze into a hard, slick, icy surface. —Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026

The Creature repays the favor by using his strength to free the ship from its icy prison. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026

Astronomers studying the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS have discovered the comet is unusually rich in alcohol — a chemical clue that could reveal how planets and icy bodies form around other stars. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing icy

• icy cold

Rhymes for icy

• dicey
• lycee
• pricey
• spicy
• theodicy

Kids Definition

icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

1

a

: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice

b

: very cold

icy weather

2

: unfriendly sense 1

icily

-sə-lē 

adverb

iciness

-sē-nəs 

noun