freezing

American  

[free-zing] / ˈfri zɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of temperatures) approaching, at, or below the freezing point.

2. extremely or uncomfortably cold; chilled.

   We were both freezing and welcomed the hot cocoa.

3. beginning to freeze or partially frozen; frozen; in the process of being or becoming frozen. frozen.

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freezing British  

/ ˈfriːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal extremely cold

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Other Word Forms

• freezingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of freezing

First recorded in 1605–15; freeze + -ing ²

Example Sentences

I was on potato detail, one of a crew hauling baskets of potatoes to long trenches to be covered with dirt against the freezing weather ahead.

From Literature

The water was freezing, of course, but we didn’t mind one bit.

From Literature

Playing their football in often freezing conditions in a town located just north of the Arctic circle, the Norwegians surprised many by reaching the knockout stage on their debut in the competition.

From BBC

The Treasury Committee will examine all student loan plans, including Plan 2 loans, which have drawn criticism over their high interest rates and the freezing of the repayment thresholds.

From BBC

“I got any eyebrows?” asked Glenn, coming up agasp from the freezing water.

From Literature

Related Words

• biting
• chilly
• frigid
• frosty
• glacial
• icy
• numbing
• polar
• wintry