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Synonyms

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.

freezing British  
/ ˈfriːzɪŋ /

adjective

  1. informal extremely cold

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • freezingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of freezing

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With temperatures ranging from below freezing in August to 40C in the summer months, it would also have been tough without shelter.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Some rail operators worry about the reliability of battery locomotives, especially in freezing temperatures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

So, they braved the freezing temperatures and, while wearing “parkas, hoodies, gloves, and face masks,” spent the evening grilling.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

This brief warmth may give snow flies enough time to find shelter and avoid freezing when temperatures suddenly drop.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

On cold winter nights and days grouse make small caves in the snow to keep from freezing and if they are caught in the caves they can be taken.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.