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

From icy shimmer to punchy chartreuse, these nail trends strike the perfect balance between winter polish and early spring energy. —Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026

Lugs at the outsoles offer traction on wet, snowy, or icy terrain, and the toe caps and heels are even built to be exceptionally durable. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026

Minutes before my interview with Landfair, a Lyft driver pulls up to an icy curb to take me to the studio where we are scheduled to meet. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026

The good news is that the weather will naturally take care of the icy landscape, no later than sometime in June. —Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 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