A1 noun Neutral #792 most common

chill

/tʃɪl/

A mild but unpleasant feeling of coldness in the air or in the body. It often describes the temperature when it is cool enough to make you shiver but not freezing.

Examples

3 of 5
1

There is a slight chill in the air this morning.

The air feels a bit cold today.

2

The sudden chill in the room was noted by the observers.

The people watching noticed the room became cold suddenly.

3

You'll get a chill if you go out without a coat!

You will feel cold if you don't wear a jacket!

Word Family

Noun
chill
Verb
chill
Adverb
chillingly
Adjective
chilly
Related
chiller
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'ch' in 'chill' and 'chest'—you feel a chill on your chest when you forget to zip up your jacket.

Quick Quiz

Put on your sweater; there is a ____ in the air tonight.

Correct!

The correct answer is: chill

Examples

1

There is a slight chill in the air this morning.

everyday

The air feels a bit cold today.

2

The sudden chill in the room was noted by the observers.

formal

The people watching noticed the room became cold suddenly.

3

You'll get a chill if you go out without a coat!

informal

You will feel cold if you don't wear a jacket!

4

The data indicates a persistent chill within the cave system.

academic

The information shows it is always cold inside the caves.

5

The building management must address the chill in the lobby.

business

The office leaders need to fix the cold air in the entrance.

Word Family

Noun
chill
Verb
chill
Adverb
chillingly
Adjective
chilly
Related
chiller

Common Collocations

slight chill a small feeling of cold
bitter chill a very strong and painful cold
morning chill the cold air early in the day
take the chill off to make something slightly warmer
damp chill a cold feeling caused by wet weather

Common Phrases

chill to the bone

feeling extremely cold throughout the body

a chill in the air

a feeling that the weather is becoming cold

send a chill down someone's spine

to make someone feel very scared or cold

Often Confused With

chill vs chili

Chili is a spicy pepper or a type of stew, while chill refers to coldness.

chill vs cold

Cold is a general term for low temperature; chill usually implies a sudden or specific feeling of coldness.

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Usage Notes

The noun 'chill' is often used with the indefinite article 'a' (e.g., 'a chill'). It can refer to the weather or the feeling of being sick and shivering.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't confuse the noun 'chill' with the slang verb 'to chill' (which means to relax) when talking about weather.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'ch' in 'chill' and 'chest'—you feel a chill on your chest when you forget to zip up your jacket.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'ciele', which means cold or frost.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: usually used as 'a chill' Plural form 'chills' often refers to shivering from a fever
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Cultural Context

Discussing a 'chill in the air' is a very common way for English speakers to talk about the changing seasons, especially in autumn.

Quick Quiz

Put on your sweater; there is a ____ in the air tonight.

Correct!

The correct answer is: chill

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

freezing

A1

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

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