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 adverb
iciness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As played by Chernus, Gacy is a disturbing mixture of hard and soft, sometimes icy and terrifying but frequently offering the closest thing to levity in the series. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025 The Unveiling, with its icy twists and deep blue horrors, is a blend of wrought historic layers and contemporary anxieties. Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 Snow will end tonight, but freezing temperatures can keep roads icy into Tuesday morning. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025 These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for icy

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of icy was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Icy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

icy

adjective
icier; iciest
1
a
: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice
b
: very cold
icy weather
2
icily adverb
iciness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on icy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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