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

• bitter
• bleak
• chill
• chilling
• nipping
• nippy
• raw
• sharp

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

Made from certified sustainable yarns and dyes, the bamboo and tencel scarf is for the luxe woman who can’t say no to her prints (and wants to stay warm in the chilly months). —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Heading to a science museum, aquarium, or history museum is a great way to spend a chilly day indoors without staying home. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024

Taron Egerton and Chloe Bennet are getting cozy together in chilly New York City. —Jack Smart, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

But be sure to bundle up and watch your step before heading out, as Michigan winter promises chilly, slippery conditions. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chilly

adjective

ˈchil-ē 

chillier; chilliest

1

: noticeably cold

2

: unpleasantly affected by cold

3

: not friendly

a chilly response

chilliness noun