cold sweat

noun

: concurrent perspiration and chill usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Examples of cold sweat in a Sentence

The patient feels faint and is in a cold sweat. I break out in a cold sweat when I think about asking my boss for a pay raise.
Recent Examples on the Web If the thought of creating a budget sends you into cold sweats, stand in line. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 Those who have the infection can feel flu-like symptoms of fever, dizziness and cold sweats right away. Justine Griffin Tampa Bay Times (tns), al, 22 Aug. 2023 This is the critical question that motivates hours of Pinterest perusing (and probably triggers cold sweats in the process). Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2023 After the Browns defensive line brought terror, Burrow will likely wake up in a cold sweat in the weeks to come. Irie Harris, cleveland, 11 Sep. 2023 Changes in your menstrual cycle could also cause cold sweats. Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Aug. 2023 The freedom to roam in your home, transport bikes and other gear easily, change plans quickly and park without breaking into a cold sweat. Alex Pulaski, BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2023 The men in the hallway eventually left, but Hao was covered in cold sweat. Han Zhang, New York Times, 3 Aug. 2023 Symptoms also include feeling flushed (without any actual increase in body temperature), dizziness, disorientation, headaches, loss of appetite, lots of salivating, and cold sweats. Popular Science, 20 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cold sweat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold sweat was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near cold sweat

Cite this Entry

“Cold sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sweat. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration and chill occurring together and usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Medical Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration accompanied by feelings of chill or cold and usually induced or accompanied by dread, fear, or shock

More from Merriam-Webster on cold sweat

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