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
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.
After many storms and boat impacts, their only pier is no longer safe to use so the locals have to wade out to the arriving dhows to unload in choppy and quite chilly waters. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 On a chilly, cloudy morning in New York state's Rockland County, the Rev. Steven M.P. Neier led a joyful yet solemn Mass on April 21 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Congers. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 No one dies in a Grand Guignol-style manner in The Shrouds, Cronenberg’s chilly, chic mix of conspiracy thriller, corporate-espionage drama, and cryptic-in-more-ways-than-one meditation on mourning routines; apologies if that constitutes a spoiler. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 Dawn came on chilly with a slight overcast and a light breeze. Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chilly

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilly was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilly. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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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