Search Dictionary
Definition of chilblain

chilblain

/ˈtʃɪl.bleɪn/
chil · blain
Plural:chilblains
•
Adjective:chilblained
JUMP TO:

chilblain Lexical Profile

chilblain Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A painful, itching, red or purple swelling on the skin, typically affecting the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by poor circulation when exposed to cold and damp conditions.

Example

"Wearing insulated gloves and warm wool socks during the winter months can help prevent painful chilblains on your hands and feet."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chilblain

Word Nuance & Usage

Usually used in the plural form ('chilblains') to describe the cluster of painful swellings that appear on extremities exposed to cold.

• Nearby Words

chigger
chihuahua
chilabothrus
chilblain
chilcotin
chilcotin river
child

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century as a compound of 'chill' (from Old English 'cele', meaning cold) and 'blain' (from Old English 'blegen', meaning an inflammatory swelling or blister).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chilblain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chilblain
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.