Search Dictionary
Definition of wintry

wintry

/ˈwɪn.tɹi/
win · try
Adverb:wintrily
JUMP TO:

wintry Lexical Profile

wintry Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characteristic of winter, especially in feeling or looking cold, snowy, bleak, or stormy.

Example

"Commuters were advised to drive with caution as a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain swept across the region."

2

Lacking warmth, cheer, or friendliness in manner or expression (such as a smile or greeting).

Example

"The chairman offered only a brief, wintry smile before dismissing the committee's proposal."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wintry
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wintry

Word Nuance & Usage

Although "wintery" is occasionally seen as a variant spelling, "wintry" (without the second 'e') is the overwhelmingly preferred standard spelling in both American and British English.

• Rhymes for wintry

• Nearby Words

winterize
winterthur
wintertime
wintry
wipe
wipeable
wipeout

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English wintrīg, meaning "of or characteristic of winter," formed from winter plus the adjectival suffix -ig.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wintry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wintry
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.