icy

adjective

ˈī-sē How to pronounce icy (audio)
icier; iciest
Synonyms of icynext
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 How to pronounce icy (audio)
adverb
iciness
ˈī-sē-nəs How to pronounce icy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of icy

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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
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.
One constant is the promise of a sauna (and an icy plunge) at the end of the day. — Holden Frith, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026 Astronomers have witnessed a small, icy body that orbits the sun out beyond Jupiter transforming into a comet, providing a missing link between comets and inert bodies called centaurs. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Strawberry and peach blondes add an unexpected wash of warmth, mushroom blonde brings a smoky, cooler edge, and icy shades aren’t disappearing entirely. — Kat Suico, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026 Scientists have discovered an enormous 10-sided wave pattern in the icy ammonia clouds over Saturn’s south pole. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for icy

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of icy was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing icy

Rhymes for icy

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Browse Nearby Words

ICW
icy
icy cold
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Cite this Entry

“Icy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icy. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

icy

adjective
ˈī-sē How to pronounce icy (audio)
icier; iciest
1
a
: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice
b
: very cold
icy weather
2
: unfriendly sense 1
icily
-sə-lē How to pronounce icy (audio)
adverb
iciness
-sē-nəs How to pronounce icy (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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