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adj C1 Advanced Uncommon

chilly

CHIH-lee

Chilly (adj) means Cold enough to be uncomfortable. Example: “It gets chilly here once the sun sets.”

adj
1
Cold enough to be uncomfortable.
"It gets chilly here once the sun sets."
"Bring a jacket, it's a bit chilly tonight."
2
Unfriendly or distant in manner.
"Her reply had a chilly tone that put him on edge."

How to use chilly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMildly cold — either the weather, or someone's attitude.

Common mistake

Don't mix up "chilly" (cold) with "chili" (the pepper or stew) — they sound alike but mean completely different things.

Easily confused with

Word forms

chillier comparative, chilliest superlative

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Test yourself on “chilly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It gets _____ here once the sun sets.

Etymology

Formed from "chill" plus the adjective suffix -y.

Related words

Rhymes for chilly

See all rhymes for chilly →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chilly” mean?

The word “chilly” means cold enough to be uncomfortable. In plain terms, mildly cold — either the weather, or someone's attitude.

How do you pronounce “chilly”?

“Chilly” is pronounced CHIH-lee (/ˈt͡ʃɪli/ in IPA).

How do you use “chilly” in a sentence?

Here is “chilly” used in a sentence: “It gets chilly here once the sun sets.”

What is another word for “chilly”?

Words with a similar meaning to “chilly” include cold.

What part of speech is “chilly”?

“Chilly” is an adjective.

Is “chilly” a common word?

“Chilly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “chilly” have?

“Chilly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: cold enough to be uncomfortable.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial