What does chilly mean?
"Chilly" is an adjective describing something that is unpleasantly or noticeably cold, most often applied to weather, air, rooms, or body sensations: a chilly morning, a chilly wind, chilly fingers. It conveys moderate rather than extreme cold — colder than "cool," warmer than "freezing" — which makes it one of the most frequently used words for everyday low temperatures in both British and American English. The word also carries a well-established figurative sense describing human interactions: a chilly reception, a chilly glance, or chilly relations between two parties all suggest unfriendliness, distance, or a lack of warmth. This metaphorical extension gives the word range beyond mere meteorology, allowing writers to describe emotional atmospheres as vividly as physical ones. Derived from the noun "chill," it also yields the adverb "chillily" and the noun "chilliness." Its near-homograph "chili," the pepper, is unrelated in meaning despite differing by only a single letter.
Uncomfortably or unpleasantly cold, especially with regard to weather, air, or a physical sensation.
"We wrapped up warmly before stepping out into the chilly morning air."
Usually describes mild to moderate cold rather than severe or freezing temperatures.
Unfriendly, distant, or lacking warmth in manner, tone, or atmosphere.
"He received a distinctly chilly welcome from his former colleagues."
This figurative sense is common in descriptions of social or diplomatic interactions.
Despite its frosty meaning, "chilly" shares its root with "chill" — the very word you'd use to describe relaxing out, not shivering through, a cold day.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chilly
"Chilly" derives from the noun "chill," which itself developed from the Old English verb "ciele" or "ciele," meaning cold or frost, related to the adjective "calde" (cold). The word took its modern form from "chill" plus the adjectival suffix "-y," emerging in English around the early seventeenth century. Its closest relatives are "chill," "chilled," and "chilling," all built on the same Germanic root of coldness that also gave us the word "cold" itself through related Old English forms.
Related word forms
How chilly is actually used
"Chilly" is common in both British and American English and sits in register between casual and neutral — it is more conversational than "frigid" but more expressive than simply "cold." The figurative sense (a chilly reception, chilly relations) is well established in journalism and everyday speech alike. It typically describes mild to moderate cold rather than severe freezing conditions.
Easily confused with chilly
"Chili" is a noun referring to the hot pepper or the stew made with it, while "chilly" is an adjective meaning cold — they differ by one letter but share nothing in meaning.