red snow

noun

1. snow that has acquired a red color either from airborne particles of red dust or from a type of alga that contains a red pigment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red snow¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

British explorer Sir John Ross brought back samples of red snow from Greenland after his disappointing search for a northwest passage in 1818, setting off a lively debate among Europe’s gentlemen scientists as to what the stuff actually was.

From Seattle Times

But S was not available, and when I saw the letter L — it was immediately a ladybug made out of a big red snow saucer.

From Washington Post

“You would go around, you’d see department stores that have everything — red, snow, beautiful ribbons, bows. Everything was there, but they wouldn’t say ‘Merry Christmas.’”

From Washington Times

“You’d go around, you’d see department stores that have everything red, snow, beautiful, ribbons, bows. Everything was there. But they wouldn’t say Merry Christmas. They’re all saying Merry Christmas again. You remember?”

From Salon

After other officers arrived, one slowly approached the man, grabbed a red snow shovel from a store display, then charged the man and tackled him.

From Washington Post