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

Somewhere beneath the icy waters of the North Atlantic, an ancient shark glides through the darkness at a pace slower than most humans walk. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Cooling gel sleeves can be popped in the freezer to soothe sore joints with icy, gentle compression. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

These women of the W aren’t the only professional athletes to point out their icy relationship with their commissioner. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 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
• pricey
• spicy
• devisee
• 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