# snowstorm

/ˈsnoʊˌstɔɹm/ (US) · /snˈəʊstɔːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snowstorm
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. heavy snow and wind

noun · CEFR B1

a storm with a lot of snow and strong winds that make it hard to see.

For teachers: a meteorological event involving heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds.

- The flight was cancelled because of a sudden snowstorm at the airport.
- The unexpected snowstorm blanketed the mountain pass in several feet of powder, forcing the local authorities to close the highway for safety.

### 2. a snow globe

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal

a glass ball filled with water and white powder that looks like snow when you shake it.

For teachers: a decorative object consisting of a transparent sphere enclosing a miniaturized scene and liquid that, when shaken, simulates a snowfall.

- She bought a small snowstorm with a tiny Eiffel Tower inside as a souvenir.
- The collector specialized in vintage holiday decorations, including rare hand-painted snowstorms from the early twentieth century.

## Examples

- The city closed all schools because of the snowstorm.
- During the winter of 2021, a massive snowstorm paralyzed the entire region for three days.
- Meteorologists warned that the approaching snowstorm would bring record-breaking amounts of snow to the mountain range, potentially triggering avalanches in the higher elevations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.