spine-chilling

adjective

spine-chill·​ing ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce spine-chilling (audio)
: alarmingly or eerily frightening

Examples of spine-chilling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This complex dress featured a mannequin-like attachment on the back, making for the ultimate spine-chilling moment. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 Her phrasing and breath control of the most difficult passages seemed effortless, and her high notes were spine-chilling. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spine-chilling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spine-chilling was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near spine-chilling

Cite this Entry

“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine-chilling. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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