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

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut declared states of emergency ahead of the snowstorm, activating emergency protocols and warning people to stay off the roads, which could also become icy as the storm progresses in subfreezing temperatures. —January 25, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

The icy vibes seemed to seep into the Bucks’ play. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026

Winds can be strong, snow blows across the road, and icy sections show up without much warning. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

By then, all precipitation will be icy as freezing rain and sleet, leading to significant hazards on roadways from the Hill Country to Austin and San Antonio. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 24 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