Cold spell
Meaning
A period of unusually cold weather.
Origin
Imagine standing outside, the air suddenly turning crisp and biting. That distinct chill, clinging to the landscape for a few days before easing its grip, is what we’ve come to know as a "cold spell." The word "spell" itself is the key here, tracing its roots back to Old English 'spelian,' meaning "to take the place of" or "to substitute." This sense gradually evolved to denote a turn, a shift, or a distinct period of time—like taking a "spell" at work or having a "spell" of good fortune. When this concept of a temporary period united with "cold" to describe the weather, it captured perfectly those fleeting yet memorable stretches when winter's embrace, or even an unexpected late spring chill, descends upon us, giving us a powerful, concise descriptor for nature's periodic shifts.
Examples
- The region is bracing for a severe cold spell next week, with temperatures expected to drop significantly.
- During the recent cold spell, many homes experienced burst pipes due to the freezing conditions.