freezing rain

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of freezing rain

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

A massive winter storm continues to hit large parts of the country, dumping snow, sleet and freezing rain and leaving hundreds of thousands without power in the South.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

The storm hobbled several of American’s major hubs, including Dallas, which was pummeled early on by ice and freezing rain.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

Those states could also see ice accretions of around an inch caused by freezing rain, a dangerous phenomenon where supercooled rain droplets freeze instantly on surfaces.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

“In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast.”

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

He takes his sample case, and he walks down the many stairs to the street, where the freezing rain is turning to sleet.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman