'cold-weather' is a compound word formed from 'cold' and 'weather'. 'Cold' originates from Old English 'ceald', meaning 'cold', and 'weather' comes from Old English 'weder', meaning 'air' or 'sky'.

'Cold' and 'weather' have been used together since Middle English to describe conditions or clothing suitable for low temperatures.

Initially, it referred to any weather condition that was not warm, but now it specifically refers to conditions that are cold.