icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

1

a

: covered with, abounding in, or consisting of ice

b

: intensely cold

2

: characterized by coldness : frigid

an icy stare

also : steely

icy nerves

icily

ˈī-sə-lē 

adverb

iciness

ˈī-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of icy

• frigid
• cold
• freezing
• chilly
• chill
• cool

Examples of icy in a Sentence

an icy drink that was especially refreshing on that hot afternoon

she wondered why the salesclerk at the boutique had given her an icy glare

Recent Examples on the Web

Someone who is interested in her findings, of course, is Horwitz, a former political journo newly appointed to the WSJ’s tech beat — and still convincing his icy new boss (Betty Gilpin, of course) that tech is politics in this day and age. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

As warming forces the krill southward, the penguins can’t follow because the water is too icy for them. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

For poolside eats, guests can order from High Bar's icy cocktails plus a casual all-day menu of burgers, hummus plates, and lettuce wraps. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The situation—his icy glare, the perfect framing—was a bit of stagecraft amid chaos. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing icy

• icy cold

Rhymes for icy

• dicey
• pricey
• spicy
• devisee
• theodicy

Kids Definition

icy

adjective

ˈī-sē 

icier; iciest

1

a

: covered with, full of, or consisting of ice

b

: very cold

icy weather

2

: unfriendly sense 1

icily

-sə-lē 

adverb

iciness

-sē-nəs 

noun