chilly draft

USAGE SUMMARY

"chilly draft" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a gust of cold air. Example: Stephen shivered as a chill draft blew past him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But, like a chilly draft on a hot day, Italy's gothic angle offers intimations of darkness that make a moment on the piazza even more delicious.

The New York Times

One employee has placed plastic bags over the vent to minimize the chilly draft.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had a principal stake in Asia-based manufacturing before switching gears and buying the North Fork's oldest vineyard, Hargrave, in 1999 and settling into its second-oldest farmhouse — so they've been told — circa 1798 with the chilly drafts to prove it.

The New York Times

Mr. Nall said the temperature level is ideal for warehouse workers, who usually have to tolerate extreme summer heat and chilly winter drafts in surface warehouses.

The New York Times

It's an exercise in mock-Gothic Americana whose tone is more important than its plot, mostly because it barely has a plot, only occasional drafts of chilly menace.

The New York Times - Books

Child poverty charities and campaigners gave the draft strategy a chilly reception.

Independent

The rest of the room should stay warm, it's just the draft path that will be a little chilly.

WikiHow

Someone could get chilly.

The New York Times

It was getting chilly.

The New York Times

Buy Chilly cockroach traps!

The New Yorker

It's chilly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilly draft" to describe a localized sensation of cold air, often indoors or near openings like windows or doors.

Common error

Avoid using "chilly draft" to describe overall cold weather conditions. It's more appropriate for specific instances of moving cold air, not the general temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilly draft" functions as a noun phrase, where "chilly" modifies the noun "draft". It describes a specific type of airflow characterized by its coldness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chilly draft" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe a localized sensation of cold air. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the presence of a cold airflow, often implying discomfort. As verified by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression. While similar phrases like "cold breeze" or "icy wind" can be used, "chilly draft" specifically suggests a localized, often indoor, source of cold air. Avoid using it for general cold weather descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chill wind

Similar to "chilly draft" but broader, referring to any cold wind.

cold breeze

Focuses on a gentle movement of cold air.

cold gust

Emphasizes a sudden and strong burst of cold air.

icy wind

Highlights the freezing nature of the wind.

freezing air

Stresses the extremely low temperature of the air.

winter chill

Connects the cold air to the winter season.

nipping wind

Implies a sharp, biting cold.

arctic blast

Suggests a powerful and intensely cold air mass.

wintry air

Describes air characteristic of winter, often cold and crisp.

cold spell

Refers to a period of cold weather, rather than a specific gust of air.

FAQs

How can I use "chilly draft" in a sentence?

You can use "chilly draft" to describe a localized cold airflow, as in "I felt a "chilly draft" coming from under the door".

What's a more intense way to describe a "chilly draft"?

For a stronger sensation of cold air, consider using "cold gust" or "icy wind" to emphasize the suddenness or the freezing nature of the air.

Is it appropriate to use "chilly draft" to describe weather outside?

"Chilly draft" is more often used for indoor environments or localized areas. For outdoor weather, phrases like "cold breeze" or "nipping wind" might be more fitting.

What is the difference between "chilly draft" and "chilly breeze"?

A "chilly breeze" suggests a gentle, outdoor cold airflow, while a ""chilly draft"" typically refers to a more localized and often unwanted flow of cold air indoors.