chilling

1 of 2

adjective

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

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

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
Most of his victims were reportedly friends and family, adding a chilling layer to the tragedy. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 Tim Lammers However, if film purists insist that Misery—despite the horror pedigree of the author who wrote the source material—is not a horror film, there is a chilling classic from the early 1970s that experienced Golden Globes glory that undeniably is. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 The award was co-presented by Kathy Bates, whose chilling role in 1990’s Misery Gunning has cited as an inspiration for her performance in the series. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025 Make sure to check your refrigerator because some eggs recalled by Costco may still be chilling in there. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near chilling

Cite this Entry

“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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