frigid

adjective

frig·​id ˈfri-jəd How to pronounce frigid (audio)
1
a
: intensely cold
frigid water
b
: lacking warmth or ardor : indifferent
had an emotionally frigid father
2
: lacking imaginative qualities : insipid
writing precise and frigid poetry
3
a
: abnormally averse to sexual intercourse
used especially of women
b
of a female : unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse
frigidly adverb
frigidness noun

Examples of frigid in a Sentence

The frigid gusts of wind stung their faces. She was born into an emotionally frigid family.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Conditions permitting, your adventure-seeking brood could kayak the White Continent’s frigid waters, join Zodiac excursions to see gentoo penguin colonies, and snowshoe across the icy landscape, led by HX’s wildlife and expedition guides. Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024 The full moon in December is commonly called the cold moon because of the frigid temperatures typically experienced in many parts of the world. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024 Warming centers and respite spots are available across Detroit for residents seeking a reprieve from frigid temperatures. Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 7 Dec. 2024 After gusty winds and frigid temperatures, Greater Cincinnati will experience a slight warm-up over the weekend into early next week. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frigid 

Word History

Etymology

Latin frigidus, from frigēre to be cold; akin to Latin frigus frost, cold, Greek rhigos

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of frigid was in 1619

Dictionary Entries Near frigid

Cite this Entry

“Frigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frigid. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

frigid

adjective
frig·​id ˈfrij-əd How to pronounce frigid (audio)
1
: freezing cold
2
: not friendly
a frigid stare
frigidity
frij-ˈid-ət-ē
noun
frigidly
ˈfrij-əd-lē
adverb
frigidness noun

Medical Definition

frigid

adjective
frig·​id ˈfrij-əd How to pronounce frigid (audio)
1
: lacking sexual desire : abnormally averse to sexual intercourse
used especially of women
2
of a female : unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on frigid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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