Simple Definition of cold sweat

from our Learner's Dictionary

cold sweat

noun

: a condition in which someone is sweating and feeling cold at the same time because of fear, illness, etc.
The patient feels faint and is in a cold sweat.
I break out in a cold sweat when I think about asking my boss for a pay raise.

Cite this Entry

“Cold sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cold%20sweat. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cold sweat

More from Merriam-Webster