noun

icicle

YS-ihkl

Icicle (noun) means a thin, tapering spike of ice formed when dripping water freezes as it falls. Example: “Icicles hung from the gutter after the overnight frost.”

noun

A thin, tapering spike of ice formed when dripping water freezes as it falls.

"Icicles hung from the gutter after the overnight frost."

"He snapped an icicle off the fence and held it like a sword."

How to use icicle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hanging spike of ice, usually formed by dripping water freezing in cold weather.

Common pairings

icicles forming an icicle dripping razor-sharp icicle

Word forms

icicles plural

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_____ hung from the gutter after the overnight frost.

Etymology

From Old English is ("ice") plus ickle, an old word for a small point of ice — the two fused into one word over time.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for icicle

article vehicle cubicle testicle particle clavicle Popsicle chronicle ventricle

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Frequently asked questions

What does “icicle” mean?

The word “icicle” means a thin, tapering spike of ice formed when dripping water freezes as it falls. In plain terms, a hanging spike of ice, usually formed by dripping water freezing in cold weather.

How do you pronounce “icicle”?

“Icicle” is pronounced YS-ihkl (/ˈʌɪsəkəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “icicle” in a sentence?

Here is “icicle” used in a sentence: “Icicles hung from the gutter after the overnight frost.”

What part of speech is “icicle”?

“Icicle” is a noun.

Where does the word “icicle” come from?

The word “icicle” comes from Old English. From Old English is ("ice") plus ickle, an old word for a small point of ice — the two fused into one word over time.