freezing rain

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of freezing rain

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Freezing rain from January 23 to January 26 was the primary cause of losses, with commercial buildings facing significant damage from burst pipes.

From Barron's

Freezing rain that fell between Jan. 23 and Jan. 26 was the largest driver of losses from Fern, according to insurance industry data analytics firm Verisk External link.

From Barron's

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

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

From MarketWatch

And sure, on some bitter cold mornings, especially in the late winter, when there was freezing rain instead of snow, I would dream about climbing into my bed and spending hours there.

From Literature