chilling

adjective

chill·​ing ˈchi-liŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio)
: gravely disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly adverb

Examples of chilling in a Sentence

a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Recent Examples on the Web Now, Smith has written a chilling (and absolutely hilarious) account of his time in Mike Mew’s chair. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 25 June 2024 That chilling effect is leading some doctors to refuse not just to perform abortions, but also to provide any care for pregnant people in crisis, lest their care draw scrutiny in a restrictive and uncertain legal environment. Anna North, Vox, 25 June 2024 Holcomb locals Leonard and Donna Mader, who bought the home in 1990, recalled the chilling feeling of life in the town when the killers’ identities were still unknown. Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2024 Sy deftly swaddles an intoxicating love story around a chilling climate parable set in a rural northern Senegalese village. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for chilling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chilling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chilling was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near chilling

Cite this Entry

“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

chilling

adjective
chill·​ing ˈchil-iŋ How to pronounce chilling (audio)
: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on chilling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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