chilly

adjective

ˈchi-lē 

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

ˈchi-lə-lē 

adverb

chilliness

ˈchi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of chilly

• chilling
• chill
• bleak
• bitter
• cold
• frigid
• brisk
• icy
• freezing

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

Along with large, three-sided sofas, pool side loungers, and a fireplace for chilly evenings, this area overlooks the city, showing off panoramic views across LA. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The dînatoire offered a reprieve for guests arriving straight from the evening’s runway shows, with the restaurant’s dark wood paneling and velvet banquettes providing a welcome and warm setting on the first chilly night of autumn. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

The 100% cotton waffle blanket is the perfect end-of-the-bed layer when the nights get chillier. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Chihuahua, Mexico Spring 1983 Filming out in the Chihuahuan Desert is actually chilly in the morning, but when the sun comes up, the heat is unreal. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chilly

• billie
• billy
• chilli
• dilly
• filly
• frilly
• gillie
• gilly
• hilly
• lily
• philly
• really

Kids Definition

chilly

adjective

ˈchil-ē 

chillier; chilliest

1

: noticeably cold

2

: unpleasantly affected by cold

3

: not friendly

a chilly response

chilliness noun