wintry

Everyday

1. Typical of winter: cold, snowy, icy or frosty. tree →
2. (weather forecasts, UK) "Wintry showers" are showers of rain mixed with sleet or snow. tree →
3. (of a smile or a manner) Cold and unfriendly. tree →

In the lessons

Used in weather forecasts, stories and geography. "Wintry weather" tells you to wrap up warmly and take care on icy paths. In stories, "a wintry smile" shows someone is not truly friendly. Phrases: "wintry weather", "wintry showers", "a wintry scene".

Examples

• The forecast says there will be wintry showers tomorrow. tree →
• It was a wintry morning, and the car was covered in frost. tree →
• We painted a wintry scene with snowy trees. tree →
• Take care on the wintry roads. tree →
• The wind felt wintry even though it was only October. tree →
• She gave him a wintry smile and walked away. tree →
• One very cold wintry day, as they talked, the Man put his fingers to his mouth and blew on them. tree →

Note

Spelling: wintry (the e of winter is dropped); "wintery" is also seen but less common. Comparative: wintrier, wintriest. Opposite: summery.