sleet

1 of 2

noun

ˈslēt 

: rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky

Concerned that ice pellets—also known as sleet—were a larger hazard than previously thought, the Federal Aviation Administration in late 2005 adopted strict limits on planes taking off in such icy conditions.

—Susan Carey and Andy Pasztor

The wind blew bitterly cold, and the boughs of the old tree crackled under falling sleet.

—Harriet Jacobs

compare freezing rain, hail entry 1, snow entry 1

sleety

ˈslē-tē 

adjective

sleet

2 of 2

verb

sleeted; sleeting; sleets

intransitive verb

: to shower sleet

Examples of sleet in a Sentence

Noun

The snow turned to sleet and made driving very dangerous.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In New York, a snow and sleet advisory covers Northern Warren, Hamilton, Northern Fulton, and Northern Herkimer Counties. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

It's issued when dangerous winter weather such as a blizzard, heavy snow, significant freezing rain or heavy sleet is forecast. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

Rain, sleet, snow; unpredictable wintry weather calls for sturdy, rugged waterproof boots. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024

Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand, has taken this to heart and the material science company continues to innovate with ways for its partner brands to keep consumers comfortable and dry, come rain, sleet or snow. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English slete; akin to Middle High German slōz hailstone

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sleet

1 of 2 noun

ˈslēt 

: rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky

sleety

ˈslēt-ē 

adjective

sleet

2 of 2 verb

: to shower sleet