shivery

¹ American  

[shiv-uh-ree] / ˈʃɪv ə ri /

adjective

1. inclined to or characterized by shivers, quivers, or tremors.

2. causing shivering.

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shivery ² American  

[shiv-uh-ree] / ˈʃɪv ə ri /

adjective

1. readily breaking into shivers or fragments; brittle.

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shivery British  

/ ˈʃɪvərɪ /

adjective

1. inclined to shiver or tremble

2. causing shivering, esp through cold or fear

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Etymology

Origin of shivery¹

First recorded in 1740–50; shiver ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of shivery²

First recorded in 1675–85; shiver ² + -y ¹

Explanation

When something is shivery, it gives you the chills or makes you feel cold and shuddery, like a spooky ghost story told around a campfire on a dark night. Shivery comes from the Middle English word chivere, which some etymologists believe is an alteration of chavele, which means "to chatter." The reason for this belief is because the word is thought to be mimicking the sound of trembling or chattering teeth. To remember its meaning, just think of the sensation you get when you're cold or scared — it's like a trembling feeling running down your spine.

Example Sentences

The score by Joseph Bishara is shivery with chorales that moan like wraiths in the wind.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

“A House of Dynamite” is a work of shivery, apocalyptic power from the Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, whose last film, “Detroit,” was eight years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

I hold my breath when a passing truck leaves only a few inches between my shivery flesh and its metal flanks.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2023

Also, our 30-degree low was exactly average — for most of shivery January.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2022

I lay there, feeling shivery with a fearful dread that brought up pictures in my mind of Bud Searcy’s uncle.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson