WordGarden.iocold
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈəʊld/
US
- /ˈkoʊld/
Meanings
Adjective
having a low temperature or feeling chilly
unfriendly, unemotional, or lacking warmth
no longer fresh, active, or easy to use
More meaningsFewer meanings
made without prior contact or preparation
Noun
a common mild illness with a runny nose, cough, or sore throat
cold weather or low-temperature conditions
Beyond the definition
We usually think of "cold" as the opposite of hot—that shiver-inducing feeling when temperatures drop! But "cold" isn't just about the weather. It can also describe someone who is emotionally distant or unfriendly, like when you give someone the "cold shoulder." A cold can also be an illness—a common one that makes your nose run and gives you a sore throat. You might catch a cold in the winter, but you can also feel cold even on a warm day if you're scared! Think of it this way: ice is cold, a villain can be cold-hearted, and a sniffle means you've got a cold. It's a versatile word that touches on temperature, emotion, and health.
"Cold" is a surprisingly multifaceted word. Most commonly, it refers to a low temperature—the kind that makes you reach for a sweater or see your breath in the air. "The wind was bitterly cold," or "She left her coffee out and it quickly turned cold." This meaning relates directly to heat; something cold has little thermal energy.
However, "cold" extends far beyond just temperature. It can describe someone's personality—a person who is unemotional, unfriendly, or lacking in warmth. To give someone "the cold shoulder" means to deliberately ignore them. A "cold calculation" suggests a ruthless and detached decision-making process.
Furthermore, a "cold" is also a common viral infection of the upper respiratory system, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat. You might catch a cold from someone else, or try to avoid getting one by washing your hands frequently.
Figuratively, "cold" can mean lacking enthusiasm or passion. A "cold reception" means an unenthusiastic response. It can also describe something that is outdated or no longer active—like a "cold case" in detective work.
So whether it's the chill of winter, the distance in someone's eyes, a sniffly nose, or a forgotten mystery—the word "cold" encompasses a wide range of experiences and sensations, all linked by a sense of lack: warmth, emotion, activity, or connection.
Examples
- 1
Weather
It's cold outside this morning, so wear a jacket.
- 2
Physical feeling
I'm cold. Can you close the window?
- 3
Swimming
The sea is still too cold to swim in.
- 4
Food served cold
We had cold pasta for lunch.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Food temperature
Hurry up and eat before your food gets cold.
- 6
Illness
I've got a cold, so I'm staying home today.
- Phrasehave/get a cold
have the common illness
- 7
Hostile reaction
He gave me a cold look and walked away.
- 8
Unfriendly manner
She was polite but cold to everyone at the meeting.
- Patterncold to + person
unfriendly and without warmth
- 9
Lack of interest
The film was well made, but it left me cold.
- Phraseleave someone cold
fail to interest or move them
- 10
Nervous hesitation
At the airport, he got cold feet and decided not to get on the plane.
- Phraseget cold feet
become too nervous to do something you planned
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- coldnounadjectiveadverb
Forms
- coldercomparativeadjectivenounadverb
- coldestsuperlativeadjectivenounadverb
- coldspluralnounadjectiveadverb