freezing rain

noun

: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (such as the ground)

But to Healy's surprise, a glaze of freezing rain began to appear on the windshield.

—Jon Vara

This also explains why the stuff we call freezing rain … falls as a liquid but then turns to a sheet of ice when it strikes the pavement or a tree branch.

—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.

compare hail entry 1, sleet entry 1, snow entry 1

Examples of freezing rain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ice storm warning issued for central Iowa as freezing rain expected Friday night Iowa is experiencing , with temperatures in the single digits and wind chills near zero. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Iowa ice storm Snow, sleet, and freezing rain will impact portions of the Central Plains through the Upper Midwest beginning tonight, the weather service said. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Overnight will see a chance of a wintry mix and freezing rain. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

Last month, snow, freezing rain, ice and frigid temperatures were blamed for at least 10 deaths in Oregon from hypothermia and falling trees or utility poles. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

freezing rain

noun

: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (as the ground)