blizzard

[ bliz-erd ]

noun

1. Meteorology.
   1. a storm, technically an extratropical cyclone, with dry, driving snow, strong winds, and intense cold.
   2. a heavy and prolonged snowstorm covering a wide area.
2. an inordinately large amount all at one time:

   a blizzard of Christmas cards.

verb (used without object)

1. to snow as a blizzard:

   Looks as though it's going to blizzard tonight.

blizzard

/ ˈblɪzəd /

noun

1. a strong bitterly cold wind accompanied by a widespread heavy snowfall

blizzard

/ blĭz′ərd /

1. A violent snowstorm with winds blowing at a minimum speed of 56 km (35 mi) per hour and visibility of less 400 m (0.25 mi) for three hours.

Other Words From

• bliz·zard·y bliz·zard·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blizzard¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30 for earlier meaning “violent blow, shot”; compare British dialectal (Midlands) blizzer, blizzom “blaze, flash, anything that blinds momentarily”; probably expressive formations with components of blast, blaze ¹, bluster, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blizzard¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

By early Wednesday, winds in the region had caused widespread power outages and some tree damage, and were expected to bring blizzard conditions throughout the Cascades, the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond wind, rain and snow, the storm could also bring flash flooding, rock slides and debris flows as well as heavy mountain snow and blizzard conditions in areas of high elevation.

From BBC

When a blizzard hits the town and leaves the parents separated from the children, their carefully planned celebrations are thrown into chaos.

From BBC

Beyond his assertions of power, Mr. Ramaswamy is given to citing a blizzard of federal legal codes to back his bluster.

From New York Times

This blizzard of filings in Delaware bankruptcy court tells quite a tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gale
• precipitation
• squall