windchill

noun

wind·​chill ˈwin(d)-ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also chill factor, windchill factor, windchill index

Examples of windchill in a Sentence

It's cold outside, and it feels even colder because of the windchill. Expect windchills in the 20s tonight.
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.
Overnight into Thursday, metro Denver temperatures will hit minus 4 degrees and feel as cold as minus 15 degrees with windchill, NWS forecasters said. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025 Though the cold won’t be record-shattering in the area, subzero windchills will reach a dangerous minus 20 to minus 25 degrees. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 The forecast is for a high of 24 degrees on Monday, but the windchill is expected to be in the teens. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025 Frigid temperatures with windchills as low as the negative single digits are expected to continue this week in Milwaukee, with things coldest on Thursday and Friday. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for windchill

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windchill was in 1939

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Windchill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windchill. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

windchill

noun
wind·​chill -ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human flesh as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also windchill factor, windchill index

Medical Definition

windchill

noun
wind·​chill ˈwin(d)-ˌchil How to pronounce windchill (audio)
: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed

called also chill factor, windchill factor, windchill index

More from Merriam-Webster on windchill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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