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

With temperatures plummeting below freezing overnight, the combination of snow and ice could lead to treacherous conditions on untreated roads and pavements.

From BBC

Weather also could have played a part in January’s low home sales figure, with a massive storm and freezing temperatures affecting many parts of the country that may have delayed closings.

From Barron's

A winter storm brought freezing temperatures to much of the U.S. two weeks ago and still holds much of the Northeast in its grip.

From The Wall Street Journal

All was darkness and glassy-smooth rock, freezing water and rushing sound.

From Literature

Were they adapting to him, or were they trying to keep him from freezing?

From Literature

Related Words

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