WordGarden.ioice
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈaɪs/
US
- /ˈaɪs/
Meanings
Noun
water frozen into a solid form
a frozen playing surface for skating or hockey
(slang)diamonds or flashy diamond jewelry
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)crystal methamphetamine
Verb
to cover, cool, or become covered with ice
to cover a cake or pastry with icing
Beyond the definition
Ice is water in its solid form, made when the temperature drops low enough for it to freeze. It is the thing in ice cubes, frozen lakes, winter roads, and the frost that forms on cold surfaces. The word can also describe a feeling of strong cold, as in an icy wind or an icy stare.
In everyday English, "ice" also appears in common expressions. You can "break the ice" by saying something friendly when people feel awkward, and you are "on thin ice" when you are close to getting into trouble. In slang, especially in music and pop culture, "ice" can mean diamonds or expensive jewelry.
Ice is most commonly recognized as water in its solid state, formed when temperatures reach 0°C (32°F). This familiar substance manifests in countless ways, from the massive glaciers and polar caps that shape our planet to the delicate frost that patterns a windowpane on a winter morning. However, the word "ice" has expanded far beyond its scientific roots into a versatile term rich with cultural meaning.
Beyond the physical state of , "ice" frequently describes sensations of intense cold. This can be literal, such as a drink served "on the rocks" (with ice), or metaphorical, where a person described as "cold as ice" is perceived as emotionally distant or unfeeling. In the realm of sports, it is the foundation for everything from figure skating to hockey, representing both a playground and a hazard.
In modern slang, particularly within hip-hop culture, "ice" has become synonymous with expensive jewelry, specifically diamonds. When someone is "iced out," they are draped in sparkling gems that mimic the clarity and shine of frozen water. This usage emerged in the late 20th century and has since become a staple of pop culture vocabulary.
Figuratively, "ice" plays a major role in English idioms. To "break the ice" is to overcome initial social awkwardness through a friendly gesture or conversation. Conversely, to be "on thin ice" is to be in a precarious or risky situation where one more mistake could lead to disaster. Whether you are skating on it, admiring a glacier, or admiring someone's "bling," the word "ice" represents a fascinating intersection of science, temperature, and human expression.
Examples
- 1
Drink request
Can I have some ice in my water?
- 2
Safety warning
Be careful on the steps; there's ice on them.
- 3
Road conditions
The roads were covered in ice after the storm.
- 4
Food storage
We kept the fish on ice during the drive home.
- Phraseon ice
packed with ice to keep something very cold
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Injury treatment
He iced his ankle after the game.
- Patternice + body part/injury
put ice on it to help with pain or swelling
- 6
Frozen surface
By morning, the pond had iced over.
- Phraseice over
become covered with ice
- 7
Social meeting
She told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting.
- Phrasebreak the ice
make people feel more relaxed with each other
- 8
Delay
The whole project was put on ice until next month.
- Phraseput X on ice
delay it for a time
- 9
Cake decorating
She carefully iced the birthday cake.
- Phraseice a cake
cover it with a sweet topping
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- icenounverb
Forms
- icing-ing formverbnoun
- icedpast tenseverbnoun
- icespluralnounverb