chillier; chilliest
1
: noticeably cold : chilling
a chilly day
2
: unpleasantly affected by cold
chilly spectators
3
: lacking warmth of feeling : unfriendly
a chilly reception
4
: tending to arouse fear or apprehension
chilly suspicions
chillily adverb
chilliness noun

Examples of chilly in a Sentence

It's a little chilly outside. You must be chilly without a coat on. They gave him a chilly reception.
Recent Examples on the Web On a recent chilly Saturday, a long line formed in front of the Cure Thrift Shop, in the East Village. André Wheeler, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 As a crew member wheeled out a bathtub filled with chilly water, Brolin pulled off his jacket and shirt. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 Wind chills stay about 10 degrees chillier than thermometer readings topping out in the mid-40s to near 50 degrees. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Known for not being precious on set, Winslet illustrates this to Dominus by being interviewed for hours in a chilly beach hut on the English coast (Winslet’s idea). Longreads, 8 Mar. 2024 From Finland and Switzerland come two chilly films about the search for human compassion. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Community members held candles and sparklers throughout the chilly evening event, which was planned to resume rain or shine on the heel of a stormy day. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 And while these drink recipes will quench your thirst on a sweltering day, all are equally welcome on a chilly winter night, to transport you to an afternoon under the Italian sun. Carly Westerfield, Bon Appétit, 2 Mar. 2024 Beyond election mechanics, larger issues loom On a chilly night outside a Muslim community center near Charlotte, about a dozen people sat at circular tables under fluorescent lights, snacking on chips and soda. Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chilly.' 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

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilly was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near chilly

Cite this Entry

“Chilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chilly

adjective
chillier; chilliest
1
: noticeably cold
2
: unpleasantly affected by cold
3
: not friendly
a chilly response
chilliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on chilly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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