sleet

1 of 2

noun

ˈslēt 

: rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky

Concerned that ice pellets—also known as sleet—were a larger hazard than previously thought, the Federal Aviation Administration in late 2005 adopted strict limits on planes taking off in such icy conditions.

—Susan Carey and Andy Pasztor

The wind blew bitterly cold, and the boughs of the old tree crackled under falling sleet.

—Harriet Jacobs

compare freezing rain, hail entry 1, snow entry 1

sleety

ˈslē-tē 

adjective

sleet

2 of 2

verb

sleeted; sleeting; sleets

intransitive verb

: to shower sleet

Examples of sleet in a Sentence

Noun

The snow turned to sleet and made driving very dangerous.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The forecast says snow, freezing rain, and sleet might come late afternoon, as well as wind with gusts as high as 24 mph and temperatures in the 30s. —Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024

According to the Department of Transportation, 24% of vehicle crashes each year are caused by snowy, slushy, or icy pavements, and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

After testing in snow, sludge, sleet, and icy conditions, these are the best ice scrapers that PEOPLE tested. —Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Iowa ice storm Snow, sleet, and freezing rain will impact portions of the Central Plains through the Upper Midwest beginning tonight, the weather service said. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English slete; akin to Middle High German slōz hailstone

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sleet

1 of 2 noun

ˈslēt 

: rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky

sleety

ˈslēt-ē 

adjective

sleet

2 of 2 verb

: to shower sleet