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

On Wednesday night, however, West opted to place them in the dimples of her cheeks, adding an edge to her icy glam. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

But whatever meddling the Black Doves had planned is waylaid when Helen’s handler, the icy Reed (Sarah Lancashire), goes missing. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

The series’ second season is invigorating, too, but in a different way, like an icy wind finding its way under your scarf, or a snowball exploding into a puff of powder on your face. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Both had the same icy-white shade of bob, not to mention their matching blush placement, lip shade and pinched smize to the camera. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 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