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

As spring rolls into Idaho every year, the snow starts to melt and the chilly water flows down the mountains through soil and streams. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026

The breathable fabric and flexible styling means the skirt will be a no-brainer to reach for during the remaining hot days of summer as well as chilly fall nights. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Butter yellow, for instance, is proving versatile enough to make the transition into chillier weather. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

Simply wear it with a trench coat for the chillier end of summer and early fall nights. — Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 12 Aug. 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