freezing

1 of 2

adjective

freez·​ing ˈfrē-ziŋ 

1

: very cold

"Put on your jacket. It's freezing outside!"

Addy rushed home through the darkening streets as if she were pushed along by the wind. She was freezing!

—Connie Porter

2

: being at or below the temperature at which water freezes

a forecast for freezing temperatures overnight

freezing adverb

The weather was freezing cold. [=very cold]

freezingly adverb

freezingly cold temperatures

Mrs. Reed's hands still lay on her work inactive: her eye of ice continued to dwell freezingly on mine.

—Charlotte Brontë

freezing

2 of 2

noun

: the temperature at which water freezes

temperatures dipping below freezing

Synonyms

Adjective

• algid
• arctic
• bitter
• bone-chilling
• chill
• chilly
• cold
• coldish
• cool
• coolish
• frigid
• frosty
• gelid
• glacial
• ice-cold
• icy
• nipping
• nippy
• numbing
• polar
• shivery
• snappy
• wintry
• wintery

Examples of freezing in a Sentence

Adjective

why aren't you wearing a coat, as it's freezing outside?

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

However, calla lilies are considered invasive in certain areas, such as California, so plant them outdoors with caution if you are located in an area that doesn't experience freezing temperatures. —Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2024

Additionally, the near freezing temperatures could add a light glazing of ice on untreated roads during the morning commute. —Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

Noun

And how has egg freezing freed you from that struggle? —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 June 2024

Near La Crosse, with the temperature at or near freezing and the variable elevations in the area, snow accumulation reports varied dramatically. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing freezing

• freezing cold
• freezing point
• freezing rain