chilling

1 of 2

adjective

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

chilling

2 of 2

present participle of chill entry 3

Synonyms of chilling

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Adjective

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
British horror icon Hammer Films could be returning to the chilling world of one of its most successful movies. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 But just as memorable as Drew Barrymore’s gut-wrenching opening scene was Marco Beltrami’s chilling score, one that heightened the suspense and terror at every turn. — Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 An Iowa man accused of opening fire on passing vehicles along an interstate and wounding a woman allegedly made a chilling admission to police after his arrest, according to court documents. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 There’s also the Chill and Thrill Islands, aptly named for their focuses on chilling and thrilling passengers, respectively. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing chilling

Rhymes for chilling

See All Rhymes for chilling

Browse Nearby Words

chilliness
chilling
Chilliwack
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chilling

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