# frosty

/ˈfɹɔsti/ (US) · /fɹˈɒsti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frosty
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. cold weather

adjective · CEFR B1

very cold, with a thin layer of white ice covering the ground or windows.

For teachers: characterised by the presence of frost or extremely low temperatures sufficient to freeze surface moisture.

- We woke up to a frosty morning with ice covering the car windshield.
- The frosty air bit at their cheeks as they trudged through the fields, where every blade of grass was encased in a delicate crystalline sheath.

### 2. unfriendly behavior

adjective · CEFR B2

acting in a way that is not friendly or welcoming.

For teachers: exhibiting an aloof, chilling, or inhospitable manner in social interaction.

- The atmosphere in the room was frosty after their big argument.
- The manager gave a frosty reception to the new proposal, barely looking up from her papers as the team presented their findings.

### 3. covered in frost

adjective · CEFR B2

having a layer of frost on the surface.

For teachers: covered with or containing frost; specifically referring to the physical accumulation of ice crystals.

- The frosty branches of the trees looked beautiful in the winter sunlight.
- He reached for the frosty beer mug, which had been kept in the freezer until the glass was completely opaque with ice.

## Examples

- The ground was frosty after the cold night.
- Her frosty greeting at the office made it clear she was still upset about the meeting.
- Diplomats noted the frosty exchange between the two leaders, signalling that the trade negotiations had reached an impasse despite weeks of preparatory talks.

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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.