icy
EYE-see
Icy (adjective) means Covered with ice, or extremely cold. Example: “The pavement was icy after the frost, so we walked carefully.”
adjective
1
Covered with ice, or extremely cold.
"The pavement was icy after the frost, so we walked carefully."
"An icy wind cut through his coat."
2
Cold and unfriendly in manner.
"She gave him an icy stare and walked off without a word."
How to use icy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally covered in ice or freezing cold; figuratively, cold and hostile in attitude.
Common pairings
icy roads
icy silence
icy glare
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Word forms
- Comparative
- icier
- Superlative
- iciest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pavement was _____ after the frost, so we walked carefully.
Etymology
From "ice" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y".
Related words
Rhymes for icy
See all rhymes for icy →Frequently asked questions
What does “icy” mean?
The word “icy” means covered with ice, or extremely cold. In plain terms, literally covered in ice or freezing cold; figuratively, cold and hostile in attitude.
How do you pronounce “icy”?
“Icy” is pronounced EYE-see (/ˈaɪsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “icy” in a sentence?
Here is “icy” used in a sentence: “The pavement was icy after the frost, so we walked carefully.”
What part of speech is “icy”?
“Icy” is an adjective.
Is “icy” a common word?
“Icy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “icy” have?
“Icy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with ice, or extremely cold.
What is the difference between icy and frosty?
Icy typically describes surfaces literally covered in ice or extremely cold conditions, such as an icy road, while frosty more often describes a lighter coating of frost or a milder cold. Figuratively, both can describe an unfriendly manner, though icy tends to suggest a harsher, more deliberate coldness.
What is the difference between an icy manner and simply being cold to someone?
An icy manner specifically emphasizes a sharp, unfriendly coldness that feels deliberate or pointed, almost like a chill in the air. Describing someone as just "cold" can suggest general emotional distance, whereas icy implies a more noticeable, often hostile edge.
What is the difference between icy and freezing?
Freezing usually refers to a specific temperature at or near the point where water turns to ice, describing extreme cold in general. Icy specifically implies the presence of ice, such as on a road or windshield, and is also used figuratively for a person's cold, unfriendly demeanor, a sense freezing doesn't carry.
