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’s nothing wrong with a great scoop, but sometimes the weather calls for something lighter, icier and a little more unexpected. — Lia Picard - For The Ajc, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Posing next to co-star Sandra Bullock, the Australian star looked statuesque in a strapless column dress that was completely covered in icy mint sequins, which looked like scales. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

The issue came to a head after astronomers discovered Eris in 2005, an icy world beyond Pluto that is even more massive. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Perseid shooting stars can be seen each year as Earth crashes through the trail of debris shed by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 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