: rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky
Concerned that ice pellets—also known as sleet—were a larger hazard than previously thought, the Federal Aviation Administration in late 2005 adopted strict limits on planes taking off in such icy conditions.—
Susan Carey and Andy Pasztor
Susan Carey and Andy PasztorThe wind blew bitterly cold, and the boughs of the old tree crackled under falling sleet.—Harriet Jacobs
compare freezing rain, hail entry 1, snow entry 1
Harriet JacobsExamples of sleet in a Sentence
Noun
The snow turned to sleet and made driving very dangerous.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
The satellite can withstand inclement weather, including sleet, high winds and temperatures.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Wednesday: A chance of rain and sleet, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 36.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Odds for a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow in Central Texas have increased, with a 30% chance of at least a half-inch of snow between Wednesday night and Thursday night, according to the weather service.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleet
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Noun
This system continuously distributes power to all 4 wheels, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions like rain, snow, sleet, or on uneven terrain.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
The satellite can withstand inclement weather, including sleet, high winds and temperatures.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Wednesday: A chance of rain and sleet, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 36.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Odds for a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow in Central Texas have increased, with a 30% chance of at least a half-inch of snow between Wednesday night and Thursday night, according to the weather service.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleet
Cite this Entry
“Sleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleet. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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