chilly

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchi-lē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
chillier; chilliest
Synonyms of chillynext
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
ˈchi-lə-lē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
adverb
chilliness
ˈchi-lē-nəs How to pronounce chilly (audio)
noun

chilliness

2 of 2

noun

chill·​i·​ness ˈchi-lē-nəs How to pronounce chilliness (audio)
: the quality or state of being chilly

Synonyms of chilly

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Adjective

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Examples of chilly in a Sentence

Adjective 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
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.
Adjective
Outside, on the stoop of the townhouse, the last remnants of the winter air have congealed on this chilly spring night. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 The library inside will pull you back indoors, though, as will the wood-burning stove on chilly nights. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026 Unfortunately, getting electrons to cooperate in this fashion requires specific materials operating under some pretty chilly conditions. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 After a chilly start in the 40s, sunshine will help temperatures climb into the upper 60s this afternoon, right around average for this time of year. — Kate Bilo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chilly

Word History

Etymology

and Noun

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilly was in 1567

Rhymes for chilly

See All Rhymes for chilly

Browse Nearby Words

chillumchee
chilly
chill zone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilly. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chilly

adjective
ˈchil-ē How to pronounce chilly (audio)
chillier; chilliest
1
: noticeably cold
2
: unpleasantly affected by cold
3
: not friendly
a chilly response
chilliness noun
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