chilly

/ˈt͡ʃɪli/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chillier · chilliest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Cold enough to cause discomfort.

Adjective

Examples

[…] The Aſparagus grew; but in three or four Years complained, by coming up ſmall; occaſioned by the chilly Effluvia, that proceeded from the Water lodg'd at the bottom of the Pit; […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Feeling uncomfortably cold.

Adjective

Examples

I’m getting rather chilly over here – could you shut the window please?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “chilly” mean?

Cold enough to cause discomfort.

Is “chilly” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.