chilling draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chilling draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cold breeze or air current that creates a sense of discomfort or unease. Example: "As I sat in the old, drafty house, a chilling draft swept through the room, making me shiver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A HEPA filter changes the air in the cabin every few minutes without producing chilling drafts.

Huffington Post

There were intonational impurities, though those could have stemmed from tuning problems in a half-empty hall chilled by drafts.

The New York Times - Arts

For more than a week since Hurricane Sandy, a bone-chilling draft has wafted through the hallways of Knickerbocker Village, the hulking housing complex on the Lower East Side.

The New York Times

Moreover, the moisture and draft from the slatted floor of a cubicle house cause chilling of the udder of cows refusing to rest in cubicles.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Will he be as chilled out during the draft next week – as he waits to hear whether his name is announced?

The Guardian - Sport

Amazingly chilling.

Independent

Or chilling.

The New York Times

And chilling.

The New York Times - Magazine

The messages were chilling.

The New York Times

Dead Hand was chilling.

The New Yorker

It is just chilling".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the feeling of coldness in a room or building, use "chilling draft" to effectively convey the discomfort caused by the movement of cold air. For instance, consider adding details to show how someone is affected by the draft, like "a "chilling draft" made her shiver".

Common error

Avoid using "chilling draft" metaphorically to describe a frightening or ominous situation. While "chilling" can describe fear, "draft" refers specifically to air currents. Use phrases like "eerie atmosphere" or "foreboding feeling" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilling draft" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of cold air current that causes a sensation of coldness and discomfort. As exemplified by Ludwig AI, it refers to a cold breeze.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chilling draft" accurately describes a cold air current causing discomfort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent across contexts such as news, science, and general descriptive writing. When aiming for clarity, avoid using it metaphorically. Consider alternatives like "cold breeze" or "icy wind" for similar meanings. Using the guidance offered here will ensure you correctly and effectively use the phrase "chilling draft".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold breeze

Focuses on the temperature and gentle movement of the air.

icy wind

Emphasizes the low temperature and force of the wind.

freezing gust

Highlights the sudden, intense coldness of the air.

bitter chill

Emphasizes the unpleasant and penetrating coldness.

arctic blast

Suggests a sudden and intense influx of extremely cold air.

wintry air

Refers to the characteristic cold air associated with winter.

sharp wind

Highlights the biting, penetrating quality of the wind.

nipping breeze

Indicates a light but noticeably cold wind.

frosty air

Emphasizes the presence of frost and the associated coldness.

chilled atmosphere

Broadly refers to the coldness of the surrounding environment.

FAQs

How can I describe a cold breeze instead of using "chilling draft"?

You can use alternatives such as "cold breeze", "icy wind", or "freezing gust" depending on the intensity and context of the cold air movement.

Is it correct to use "chilling draft" to describe a scary or unsettling situation?

While "chilling" can imply fear, "draft" refers to a current of air. Using "chilling draft" in a non-literal sense can be confusing. For a scary situation, consider alternatives like "eerie atmosphere" or "foreboding feeling".

What is the difference between a "chilling draft" and a "cold breeze"?

A "cold breeze" is a general term for a gentle, cold air movement. A "chilling draft" specifically implies an unpleasant and uncomfortable sensation due to the cold air current, often in an indoor setting.

How do I use "chilling draft" correctly in a sentence?

Use "chilling draft" to describe the sensation of cold air moving through a space, often causing discomfort. For example: "A "chilling draft" swept through the old house, making the occupants shiver."