freezing rain
noun
: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (such as the ground)
But to Healy's surprise, a glaze of freezing rain began to appear on the windshield.—
Jon Vara
Jon VaraThis also explains why the stuff we call freezing rain … falls as a liquid but then turns to a sheet of ice when it strikes the pavement or a tree branch.—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.
compare hail entry 1, sleet entry 1, snow entry 1
Frederick K. Lutgens et al.Examples of freezing rain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Winter Storm Watch: Indicates that hazardous winter weather conditions, including significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, or sleet, are possible generally within 24 to 48 hours.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down.
—Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
Montana is also bracing for freezing rain in Kalispell, Libby, Flathead Lake, and surrounding highways.
—Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Forecast risk of severe winter weather for Tuesday Risk
Moderate
High
A swath of freezing rain and sleet could also spread farther south across Oklahoma to Arkansas later Tuesday and into the night.
—Nazaneen Ghaffar, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freezing rain
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down.
—Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
Montana is also bracing for freezing rain in Kalispell, Libby, Flathead Lake, and surrounding highways.
—Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Forecast risk of severe winter weather for Tuesday Risk
Moderate
High
A swath of freezing rain and sleet could also spread farther south across Oklahoma to Arkansas later Tuesday and into the night.
—Nazaneen Ghaffar, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freezing rain
Cite this Entry
“Freezing rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freezing%20rain. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share