freezing rain
noun
: rain that freezes upon contact with a surface (such as the ground)
But to Healy's surprise, a glaze of freezing rain began to appear on the windshield.—
Jon Vara
Jon VaraThis also explains why the stuff we call freezing rain … falls as a liquid but then turns to a sheet of ice when it strikes the pavement or a tree branch.—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.
compare hail entry 1, sleet entry 1, snow entry 1
Frederick K. Lutgens et al.Examples of freezing rain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Confidence is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
As winter storms hit Ohio, freezing rain, snow and black ice (which sometimes appear invisible) can make roads slick, especially on bridges and overpasses.
—Cheryl Vari, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
This week the Indianapolis area will see patchy, freezing rain along with another chance for snow — not exactly swimming weather.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Meanwhile, heavy snow and freezing rain blasted in northern Michigan, leading to widespread power outages.
—Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freezing rain
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Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
As winter storms hit Ohio, freezing rain, snow and black ice (which sometimes appear invisible) can make roads slick, especially on bridges and overpasses.
—Cheryl Vari, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
This week the Indianapolis area will see patchy, freezing rain along with another chance for snow — not exactly swimming weather.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Meanwhile, heavy snow and freezing rain blasted in northern Michigan, leading to widespread power outages.
—Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freezing rain
Cite this Entry
“Freezing rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freezing%20rain. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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