frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

a

: attended with or producing frost : freezing

b

: briskly cold : chilly

2

: covered or appearing as if covered with frost : hoary

a man of 65, with frosty eyebrows and hair

—Nan Robertson

3

: marked by coolness or extreme reserve in manner

his smile was distinctly frosty

—Erle Stanley Gardner

frostily

ˈfrȯ-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

ˈfrȯ-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of frosty in a Sentence

We received a frosty welcome.

a frosty autumn that was a sign of the brutal winter that followed

Recent Examples on the Web

Water ice is everywhere in space, from frozen moons to frosty dust grains in interstellar clouds. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 July 2025

When potatoes are in a frosty environment like the fridge, the moisture inside the vegetable evaporates and transforms the shape into small, wrinkly taters. —Logan Holland, People.com, 5 July 2025

The best drink to make during a heat wave is frosty and refreshing. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025

For Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Ana set off in search of frosty treats from the diaspora. —Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

frosty

adjective

ˈfrȯ-stē 

frostier; frostiest

1

: cold enough to produce frost

a frosty night

2

: covered or appearing to be covered with frost

a frosty glass

3

: cool in manner

frostily

-stə-lē 

adverb

frostiness

-stē-nəs 

noun