chilling

1 of 2

adjective

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

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

Examples of chilling in a Sentence

Adjective a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs and trade wars could have a chilling effect on global trade. Greg McKenna, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 The film explores the tense relationship between chefs and critics in a chilling way that’s both fascinating and terrifying. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Ditching the fake blood, the TV star wore a pretty pink prom dress and tiara while clutching a flower bouquet to recreate the chilling scene from the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Kate Hogan, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 The titles range dramatically in quality, but each provides solid scares and sheds light on a new corner of its chilling interconnected universe. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chilling 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 16 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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