spine-chilling

adjective

spine-chill·​ing ˈspīn-ˌchi-liŋ How to pronounce spine-chilling (audio)
: alarmingly or eerily frightening

Examples of spine-chilling in a Sentence

the soldiers let out a spine-chilling yell just before charging the enemy
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.
But rather than dilute the scare factor, the humor makes the sense of doom only more pitiless and Orlok’s plans for Ellen more spine-chilling. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024 This complex dress featured a mannequin-like attachment on the back, making for the ultimate spine-chilling moment. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 Her phrasing and breath control of the most difficult passages seemed effortless, and her high notes were spine-chilling. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spine-chilling was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near spine-chilling

Cite this Entry

“Spine-chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine-chilling. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!