windchill

noun

wind·​chill ˈwin(d)-ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also chill factor, windchill factor, windchill index

Examples of windchill in a Sentence

It's cold outside, and it feels even colder because of the windchill. Expect windchills in the 20s tonight.
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.
On the negative side, the Chiefs have benefited from open-air conditions, memorably pummeling the Miami Dolphins, 26-7, in fourth-coldest game in NFL history, as temperatures reached minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill of minus-27. Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 In general, plants don’t feel much in the way of windchill. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Our 160-acre farm was in Barton, Vermont, where temperatures hit 39 degrees below zero one winter (before windchill, and those Vermont winds sure can howl). John Klar, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025 Overnight into Thursday, metro Denver temperatures will hit minus 4 degrees and feel as cold as minus 15 degrees with windchill, NWS forecasters said. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for windchill

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windchill was in 1939

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Cite this Entry

“Windchill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windchill. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

windchill

noun
wind·​chill -ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human flesh as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also windchill factor, windchill index

Medical Definition

windchill

noun
wind·​chill ˈwin(d)-ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also chill factor, windchill factor, windchill index

More from Merriam-Webster on windchill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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