rain in which the temperature of the water droplets is so low that they freeze on contact with surfaces
freezing rain in American English
noun
rain that falls as a liquid but freezes into glaze upon contact with the ground
Word origin
[1790–1800]This word is first recorded in the period 1790–1800. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: cannibalism, echelon, idealism, silhouette, standby
Examples of 'freezing rain' in a sentence
freezing rain
nal glimpse of my prince sitting his horse in the freezing rain.
Robin Hobb THE GOLDEN FOOL: BOOK TWO OF THE TAWNY MAN (2002)
He sprays a fire hose in sub-zero temperatures to recreate freezing rain.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Freezing rain started coming down in the second half.
Globe and Mail (2004)
Freezing rain is also caused by supercooled droplets.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Overnight, freezing rain caused a rash of power outages.
Houston Chronicle (2004)
Eventually, the freezing rain turned to rain.
canada.com (2008)
Forecasters warn of freezing rain causing danger on the roads.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
During the lockdown, dozens of anxious parents waited outside the school in freezing rain.
canada.com (2004)
Lashings of freezing rain threaten to bring down power lines and trees.
The Sun (2012)
However, storms, ice and freezing rain remain hazardous.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is the country's windiest and foggiest city, and comes second for freezing rain.