bone-chilling

adjective

bone-chill·​ing ˈbōn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce bone-chilling (audio)
Synonyms of bone-chillingnext
: intensely cold
bone-chilling weather
also : penetrating, disturbing, or intense in emotional or physical effect
bone-chilling drama
a bone-chilling wind

Synonyms of bone-chilling

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Examples of bone-chilling in a Sentence

we stood in line for hours in the bone-chilling weather
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 our final push back to the lodge, the weather’s mood shifts again, and we’re battered by bone-chilling wind. — Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026 But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 Few television worlds are as visually recognizable as the bone-chilling Gilead. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 June 2026 What follows is a bone-chilling sequence in which Paula’s instinct is to fight for normalcy at all costs despite the panic and danger churning through her body. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bone-chilling

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bone-chilling was in 1861

Rhymes for bone-chilling

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Browse Nearby Words

bone cell
bone-chilling
bone china
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bone-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bone-chilling. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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