chilling

1 of 2

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchi-liŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio)
Synonyms of chilling
: gravely disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly
ˈchi-liŋ-lē How to pronounce chilling (audio)
adverb

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

Synonyms of chilling

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Adjective

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Examples of chilling in a Sentence

Adjective a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
But my grandmother’s note also gave me a chilling glimpse of the familial tension that Dad held coiled inside. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The chilling effect, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, is a phenomenon in which individuals refrain from engaging in expression for fear of getting into trouble. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Sectarian tensions and the disrupting force of the Cold War plunged the Middle Eastern nation into decades of armed conflict, with a chilling effect on daily life. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 An attorney representing Hollywood Park says changing the rules midstream could have a chilling effect on future developments in California. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chilling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilling was in 1815

Phrases Containing chilling

Rhymes for chilling

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Browse Nearby Words

chilliness
chilling
Chilliwack
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Cite this Entry

“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chilling

adjective
chill·​ing ˈchil-iŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio)
: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on chilling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chilling

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