frosty

[ fraw-stee, fros-tee ]

adjective

, frost·i·er, frost·i·est.

1. characterized by or producing frost; freezing; very cold:

   frosty weather.

2. consisting of or covered with a frost:

   frosty designs on the windows; an avenue of frosty trees.

3. lacking warmth of feeling; unfriendly:

   Their frosty greeting puzzled us.

4. resembling frost; white or gray:

   a wedding dress of frosty satin.

5. of or characteristic of old age:

   a frosty brow.

frosty

/ ˈfrɒstɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by frost

   a frosty night

2. covered by or decorated with frost
3. lacking warmth or enthusiasm

   the new plan had a frosty reception

4. like frost in appearance or colour; hoary

Derived Forms

• ˈfrostiness, noun
• ˈfrostily, adverb

Other Words From

• frosti·ly adverb
• frosti·ness noun
• frostless adjective
• un·frosty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frosty¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; frost, -y ¹

Example Sentences

On Ukraine’s frosty battlefields, in bustling urban cafes in Europe and Asia, on Middle Eastern street corners, there were gasps and widened eyes as the news flashed on televisions and smartphone screens.

From Los Angeles Times

Relations between Ambassador Salazar and the new administration are already notably frostier.

From BBC

An unseasonably warm breeze swirled through Huntington Bank Stadium, the rare sort of night where USC, a team in unfamiliar and typically frosty Big Ten territory, could feel right at home.

From Los Angeles Times

The South Asian neighbours share a frosty relationship and tensions often affect cultural exchanges between them.

From BBC

While viewers at home were watching commercials for diapers and spaghetti sauce, the guests inside Peacock Theatre jumped up from their seats to buy $17 cocktails and frosty cans of Modelo beer in the lobby.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chilly
• frigid
• glacial
• icy
• wintry