chilly wind

USAGE SUMMARY

"chilly wind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a cold breeze. Example: "The chilly wind blew through the trees, sending a shiver up my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Facing into the chilly wind, Mr. Smith beamed.

The New York Times

"chilly wind of economic uncertainty" says Shazza Stone.

The Guardian - Film

PHILADELPHIA — A boyhood fantasy came to life under an evening sky burnished by a chilly wind.

The New York Times - Sports

The evening sunshine is giving way to drizzle and a chilly wind.

The Guardian

However, despite a chilly wind from time to time, conditions were rather pleasant today.

The Washington Post

A chilly wind of censorship was blowing, and really, Mrs Payne should have gone down.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

On a chilly, wind-swept night, Milwaukee handed Baltimore its second straight loss, 3-1.

The Washington Post

On a chilly wind-swept morning, water frothed to the surface on company land, filling a basin the size of a few tennis courts in a hint of the bounty beneath.

The Washington Post

After three hours of begging for change in a chilly, wind-swept fog, all Tricia T. could show for it was a pair of stiff hands, purple and gnarled from the cold, and 75 cents.

The New York Times

Win here, Mr. Cameron seemed to be saying with a speech to Conservative supporters on a chilly, wind-whipped escarpment, and we can still secure the wafer-thin majority many commentators think may be the only way Britain can avoid another general election in the fall.

The New York Times

Summer in San Francisco brings in gusts of chilly winds and bursts of tourists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilly wind" to evoke a sense of coldness that is not extreme but still noticeable and potentially uncomfortable. It works well in descriptions of weather or outdoor scenes.

Common error

Avoid using "chilly wind" metaphorically when a more specific term would be appropriate. For example, instead of "a chilly wind of change", consider "an unwelcome change" or "a discouraging trend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilly wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chilly wind" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a moderately cold breeze. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples demonstrating its use across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it adaptable to various writing styles, though care should be taken to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where more specific language may be appropriate. As highlighted, alternatives like ""cold breeze"" or ""icy blast"" may offer more precise descriptions depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold breeze

Emphasizes the gentle nature of the cold air.

bitter wind

Highlights the harsh and unpleasant quality of the wind.

icy blast

Focuses on a sudden and intense rush of cold air.

freezing gust

Implies a strong, short burst of extremely cold air.

wintry air

Connects the cold air to the winter season.

nipping breeze

Suggests a sharp, biting cold.

frosty gale

Implies a strong and very cold wind.

arctic wind

Directly relates the wind to the extreme cold of the Arctic.

crisp air

Highlights the invigorating and refreshing quality of the cold air.

cool draft

Suggests a gentle flow of cold air, often indoors.

FAQs

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

You can use "chilly wind" to describe a cold breeze, for example, "A "chilly wind" swept through the streets, making pedestrians shiver."

What can I say instead of "chilly wind"?

Alternatives include "cold breeze", "bitter wind", or "icy blast" depending on the intensity and specific qualities you want to convey.

Is "chilly wind" a formal or informal expression?

"Chilly wind" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "chilly wind" and "cold wind"?

"Chilly wind" suggests a less intense cold than "cold wind". "Chilly" implies a moderate coldness that is noticeable, while "cold" can refer to a broader range of temperatures.