piercing wind

USAGE SUMMARY

"piercing wind" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a strong and sharp wind that cuts through the air. Example: The hikers were not prepared for the piercing wind that blew through the valley, causing them to huddle together for warmth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A penetrating icy rain slices down, blowing into the young women's upturned faces as a piercing wind rips across the open square, causing the old men to reach for their caps.

The New York Times - Travel

We arrived in January, by which point the warm Provençal brushwork of lavender and limestone had given way to a piercing wind.

The New Yorker

The bleak gray of Saturday — and the piercing wind that drove the snow — gave way to bright colors on Sunday, with a warm orange sun climbing across a brilliant azure sky.

The New York Times

It was cold, and a piercing wind came off the river – Tetsuya and his friends stood in a row with their hands in their pockets, and turned their backs on it to keep the chill off their faces.

The Guardian

The first shivers of the day didn't just come courtesy of the piercing wind but the multi-ethnic, age-blind Hackney Empire Community Choir, backing Lewis up on Run'.

The Guardian - Music

Gray clouds clung to the skyline and a piercing wind whipped through the streets.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

For 15 years the two enemies, both claiming this 48-mile-long ice floe, have been heaving artillery and mortar fire at each other through the piercing winds.

The New York Times

The area is not an easy place for things to grow, with its high-elevation, piercing winds and less then 10 inches of annual rain.

The New York Times - Travel

Sudden, piercing cold wind.

The New Yorker

They endured violent North Atlantic storms and piercing, icy winds.

Huffington Post

The snowfall was thick, the winds piercing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piercing wind" to vividly describe weather conditions where the wind feels exceptionally cold and sharp. It is particularly effective in settings where the cold is a significant environmental factor.

Common error

Avoid using "piercing wind" when describing a slightly cool breeze; the term is most impactful when the cold is intense and noticeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piercing wind" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "piercing" modifies the noun "wind". It vividly describes the characteristic of the wind and is often used to create a strong sensory image. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Travel

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piercing wind" is a descriptive term used to convey the sensation of a sharp, cold wind. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While not extremely common, its use is consistent and effective in describing weather conditions, particularly in news, travel writing, and general descriptive contexts. Alternative phrases like "bitter wind" or "icy blast" can be used to achieve a similar effect. When using "piercing wind", it's important to ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the description, avoiding its use for milder breezes. Using "piercing wind" effectively involves understanding its purpose in evoking a specific sensory experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting wind

Focuses on the sharp, penetrating sensation of the wind.

sharp wind

Emphasizes the keen or acute sensation of the wind.

bitter wind

Emphasizes the cold and unpleasant quality of the wind.

icy blast

Highlights the coldness and suddenness of the wind.

chilling wind

Highlights the wind's ability to lower temperature and cause discomfort.

freezing wind

Directly states the wind is cold enough to cause freezing.

arctic wind

Implies an extremely cold wind originating from polar regions.

frigid gale

Combines extreme cold with a strong wind.

raw wind

Suggests a harsh and unrefined quality of the wind.

penetrating chill

Describes the cold that enters and affects the body.

FAQs

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

You can use "piercing wind" to describe a very cold and sharp wind, like "The "piercing wind" cut through our coats, making us shiver."

What words can I use instead of "piercing wind"?

Alternatives include "bitter wind", "icy blast", or "cutting wind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "piercing wind" to describe a mild breeze?

No, "piercing wind" implies a very cold and sharp wind. Describing a mild breeze with this phrase would be inaccurate and exaggerate the weather condition.

What feeling does "piercing wind" evoke?

"Piercing wind" evokes a feeling of intense cold that penetrates clothing and chills to the bone. It suggests discomfort and the need for protection from the elements.