# chilly

/ˈtʃɪɫi/ (US) · /tʃˈɪli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chilly
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cold weather

adjective · CEFR A2

uncomfortably cold, but not freezing.

For teachers: noticeably cold in a way that causes discomfort; typically used for weather or indoor environments.

- It is a bit chilly outside today, so you should probably wear a jacket.
- The morning air was unexpectedly chilly for June, forcing the hikers to reconsider their choice of lightweight clothing before heading into the valley.

### 2. feeling cold

adjective · CEFR A2

the feeling of being cold in your body.

For teachers: experiencing a sensation of coldness.

- I feel a little chilly with the window open.
- After standing in the rain for twenty minutes, she felt quite chilly and headed straight for the fireplace once she got home.

### 3. unfriendly

adjective · CEFR B2

not friendly or welcoming.

For teachers: characterised by a lack of warmth or enthusiasm; distant and cool in manner.

- The staff gave us a chilly reception when we arrived late for our reservation.
- The atmosphere in the boardroom remained chilly throughout the afternoon as neither side was willing to compromise on the contract terms.

### 4. spicy pepper

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a small, spicy pepper used in cooking.

For teachers: an alternative spelling of 'chili', referring to the small, hot-tasting fruit of a capsicum plant.

- Be careful when cutting the chilly because the seeds are very hot.
- The recipe calls for one finely chopped green chilly, but you can add more if you prefer a spicier curry.

Usage: In British English, 'chilli' is the standard spelling, while 'chilly' is occasionally seen as a variant, though 'chilli' is preferred for the food.

## Examples

- The wind feels chilly today.
- She wore a warm coat because the morning air was chilly.
- The reception was chilly, marked by short answers and a lack of eye contact.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.