ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snowstorm

n.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈsnoʊˌstɔɹm// UK //snˈəʊstɔːm// snow·storm

n. a very heavy and dangerous snowfall that lasts for a long time. It often makes it hard for people to travel or go outside.

n. a severe weather event characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds, often resulting in reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions.


SIMPLE

The city closed all schools because of the snowstorm.

CONTEXTUAL

During the winter of 2021, a massive snowstorm paralyzed the entire region for three days.

COMPLEX

Meteorologists warned that the approaching snowstorm would bring record-breaking amounts of snow to the mountain range, potentially triggering avalanches in the higher elevations.

Synonyms
Origin

From earlier snow-storm, snow storm, equivalent to snow + storm. Compare Scots snawstorm (“snowstorm”), Saterland Frisian Sneestoarm (“snowstorm”), West Frisian sniestoarm (“snowstorm”), Dutch sneeuwstorm (“snowstorm”), German Low German Sneestorm (“snowstorm”), German Schneesturm (“snowstorm”), Danish snestorm (“snowstorm”), Swedish snöstorm (“snowstorm”), Icelandic snjóstormur (“snowstorm”). Compare also Middle English storm of snow (“snowstorm”).

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