frosty

[fraw-stee, fros-tee]

adjective

frostier, frostiest 

1. characterized by or producing frost; freezing; very cold.

   frosty weather.

2. consisting of or covered with a frost.

   frosty designs on the windows; an avenue of frosty trees.

3. lacking warmth of feeling; unfriendly.

   Their frosty greeting puzzled us.

4. resembling frost; white or gray.

   a wedding dress of frosty satin.

5. of or characteristic of old age.

   a frosty brow.

frosty

/ ˈfrɒstɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by frost

   a frosty night

2. covered by or decorated with frost

3. lacking warmth or enthusiasm

   the new plan had a frosty reception

4. like frost in appearance or colour; hoary

Other Word Forms

• frostily adverb
• frostiness noun
• frostless adjective
• unfrosty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frosty¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; frost, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Relations between China and Japan are frequently frosty, in part a legacy of Japan’s brutal imperial past for which many in Beijing feel Tokyo hasn’t sufficiently apologized.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The first arrival of frosty weather across the eastern U.S. this week sent natural gas futures to multimonth highs in a preview of what can happen to heating costs if a winter is particularly harsh.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The barkeep turns to artist as he shakes our martinis frosty and pours.

Read more on Salon

“Also of great importance is, will long-range forecasts for early December hold frosty prospects?”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Down she fell, deep inside the glacier, and she splashed into a frosty pool.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• chilly 
• frigid 
• glacial 
• icy 
• wintry