Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of steely
Explanation
Anything that's steely resembles the metal called steel in some way—it's either hard, strong, bright, or silvery. A sword, a shade of gray, and even a look can be steely. You might describe the steely glint of the polished silverware on the table, or the steely blue of your cat's eyes. If someone questions you with a steely coldness, they are hard and emotionless—as cold as steel. You could also describe this person as "flinty" or "stony," other unbending adjectives. When steely was first used in the 16th century, it also described things literally "made of steel."
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.
But I look at this year’s official poster — Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis striking a steely pose from 1991’s “Thelma & Louise” — and can’t help but wonder if Hollywood has changed irrevocably.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Like so many other TV personalities in 2026, she cannot move her forehead, giving her already steely vibe the facial permanence of a screengrab.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
Alongside his grief was a steely determination to keep going.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
They operate in gleaming offices and impenetrable hotels in a strikingly steely Los Angeles.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
“I’d rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore,” said Professor Karkaroff He was wearing a steely smile, and his blue eyes were like chips of ice.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
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.
