ENGLISH
REFERENCE

icy

adj.
US //ˈaɪsi// UK //ˈaɪsi// icy
  1. 1 covered in ice (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    covered with ice, which often makes a surface very slippery.

    covered with or consisting of ice; frequently used to describe hazardous road or path conditions.

    Example

    Be careful walking outside because the pavement is very icy this morning.

    Example

    The highway patrol issued a warning after several vehicles skidded on the icy patches that had formed overnight in the shaded sections of the pass.
  2. 2 extremely cold (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling as cold as ice.

    characterised by extreme coldness, often in relation to water or wind.

    Example

    She jumped into the icy water for a quick swim.

    Example

    An icy wind swept across the moor, forcing the hikers to seek shelter behind the stone ruins of an old cottage.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 unfriendly (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    acting in a way that is very cold, distant, or unfriendly.

    characterised by a lack of warmth or affection; frigid or hostile in manner.

    Example

    He gave me an icy stare when I interrupted his meeting.

    Example

    The atmosphere in the boardroom remained icy throughout the negotiations, as neither side was willing to make the first concession.
  2. 4 wearing expensive jewellery (adj.)
    C1 Advanced American English Slang

    wearing a lot of expensive, shiny jewellery like diamonds.

    adorned with an abundance of high-quality, expensive jewellery, particularly diamonds that sparkle like ice.

    Example

    The rapper showed up to the awards show looking totally icy.

    Example

    He walked onto the stage looking incredibly icy, with diamond chains that caught every light in the auditorium.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'iced out' or simply as 'icy' to describe a person's appearance.
Origin

From ice + -y; cf. Old English īsiġ.

© 2026 English Reference