freezing drizzle

noun

1. drizzle that falls as a liquid but freezes into glaze or rime upon contact with the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of freezing drizzle¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In Missouri, three fatal accidents were reported Monday morning as freezing drizzle in some spots and freezing rain in others combined to create a thin coat of ice that blanketed much of the state.

From Seattle Times

In Missouri, three fatal accidents were reported Monday morning as freezing drizzle in some spots and freezing rain in others created a thin coat of ice that blanketed much of the state.

From Seattle Times

Tuesday, freezing rain turned to a freezing drizzle but was expected to continue through the late evening, with another round of heavier freezing precipitation arriving after midnight into early Wednesday, according to the weather service.

From Seattle Times

One recent night under a freezing drizzle, a man named Zarlialai, 40, leaned against his rusty barrow.

From Washington Post

An hour later, freezing drizzle shut down the airport’s runways.

From Washington Times