Winter Vocabulary: How to Talk About Winter in English

The coldest season of the year is almost upon us. Educations offers to study English vocabulary applicable to winter, with explanations and usage examples, so that you can easily maintain any conversation on this topic.

There is no season that affects us like winter. And the conversations are certainly appropriate. In everyday dialogues we build plans for the New Year holidays, we complain about the weather, discuss winter wardrobes and talk about seasonal leisure. Replenish your vocabulary stock up now!

Winter adjectives

What is winter like? If nothing else comes to mind except the epithet cold, here is a list of words that will make your story more eloquent:

• chilly – cool;
• wet – wet;
• icy – ​​icy;
• frosty – frosty;
• cloudy – cloudy;
• snowy – snowy;
• dreary – gloomy;
• frozen – frozen;
• melting – melting;
• misty, foggy – foggy;
• slippery – slippery;
• sparkling – sparkling;
• glittering – shiny;
• slushy – flying off.

Winter clothes

In the cold season, you should dress warmly. Do you know what all the things in your winter wardrobe are called in English? Check yourself with this list:

• jacket – jacket;
• coat – coat;
• sweater – sweater;
• scarf – scarf;
• socks – socks;
• gloves – gloves;
• boots – shoes;
• earmuffs – fur headphones;
• jumper – jumper;
• beanie – hat;
• trousers – pants;
• hoodie – hoodie;
• raincoat – raincoat;
• fleece – fleece clothing;
• cardigan - cardigan;
• vest – waistcoat;
• stockings – stockings.

On the subject: Language Immersion: How to Learn English Using Virtual Reality

winter weather

To discuss natural winter weather phenomena, you will need the following words:

• snow – snow;
• rain – rain;
• sleet – wet snow;
• hail – hail;
• blizzard – snowstorm;
• storm – storm.

Winter Sports

During the cold season, it is time to engage in active recreation and winter sports:

• ice skating – skating;
• skiing – skiing;
• ice hockey – hockey;
• bobsleigh – bobsleigh;
• figure skating – figure skating;
• luge – luge sport;
• ski jumping – jumping on skis;
• snowboarding – riding a snowboard;
• speed skating – high-speed skating;
• tobogganing, sledding – riding on a sled;
• slalom – slalom;
• curling – curling;
• Ice fishing – winter fishing.

Winter verbs

Want to describe what's going on around you? Or want to share your impressions of the beginning of winter and share your plans for the whole season? Then you'll need these useful verbs:

• to ski – to go skiing;
• to skate – to go skating;
• to get warm – to warm up;
• to sled – to ride on a sled;
• to slip – to slide;
• to throw a snowball – to throw a snowball;
• to drink hot choco – to drink hot chocolate;
• to hibernate – to fall into hibernation;
• to build a snowman – to make a snowman;
• to catch a cold – to catch a cold;
• to wrap up warm – to wrap up warmly;
• to make a fire – to light a fire;
• to freeze – freeze;
• to snow – to snow;
• to melt – to melt.

Comparison and figurative words

Check out these phrases that aren't always taken literally. When you hear them in conversations in the future, these expressions won't seem so confusing to you anymore:

• black ice – icy conditions;
• cold snap – a sudden cold snap;
• snowdrift – snow drift;
• to be snowbound – to be covered in snow;
• dead of winter – deep winter.

Idioms about winter

Phraseologisms make the language lively, vivid and euphonious. So if your goal is to know English at a high level and speak like a native speaker, find time to study idioms.

Here are 12 of the most popular idioms for everyday conversation. Note that most of them are not directly related to the weather.

Bundle up

• Meaning: to dress warmly and wrap yourself up.
• Example: Because of the cold and snow, people were bundled up in their coats.

To leave (someone) out in the cold

• Meaning: to leave someone on the sidelines, in a bad position.
• Example: The changes benefit management, but leave the employees out in the cold.

Cold hands, warm heart

• Meaning: A description of someone who does not show feelings on the outside, but is actually very sensitive and caring.
• Example: Sometimes there are people who have cold hands, warm heart.

To give someone the cold shoulder

• Meaning: to give someone the cold shoulder.
• Example: She always gives me the cold shoulder.

To break the ice

• Meaning: to make the first move, to start something, to take decisive action, or to defuse the atmosphere in a tense situation.
• Example: Laughing can help break the ice.

Walking on thin ice

• Meaning: to find yourself in a risky and even dangerous situation. A fine line beyond which trouble follows.
• Example: If you keep asking her about her ex-boyfriend, you'll be on thin ice.

Run hot and cold

• Meaning: to go to extremes, to constantly change your feelings about someone or something. Used to describe people who cannot make a decision about a certain situation.
• Example: Anna's feelings for him run hot and cold - one minute she's in love with him, and the next she hates him.

under the weather

• Meaning: To feel unwell or to be in a gloomy mood. Often used to describe cold symptoms, which are common in winter.
• Example: I'm feeling a little under the weather. I think I have caught a cold.

A snowball's chance in hell

• Meaning: low probability of achieving success in something.
• Example: We haven't got a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

Snowball effect

• Meaning: snowball effect. This refers to an event or process that was initially insignificant but is now developing very quickly.
• Example: Gangnam Style's popularity was such a snowball effect.

To put something on ice

• Meaning: to put something off until later, to pause on some matter or activity, to stop halfway.
• Example: The project was put on ice as bank financing ran out.

Snowed under

• Meaning: to be overloaded with responsibilities or urgent matters.
• Example: I'm sorry, but I can't go to the party tonight. I'm snowed under with paperwork in the office.