cold snap

American  

noun

1. a sudden onset of a relatively brief period of cold weather.

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cold snap British  

noun

1. a sudden short spell of cold weather

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cold snap Idioms  

1. Also, cold spell. A short period of unusually cold weather, as in The recent cold snap has threatened the crop. The first expression presumably likens snap in the sense of “a sudden bite or cut” to sudden unexpected cold. The variant is more obvious, spell having been used in the sense of “a bout or turn at something” since the early 1700s. [Early 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of cold snap

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

This is the second major snowstorm of the first-time mayor's administration, coming after 19 people died during a three-week cold snap in January.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

The planet experienced its fifth-hottest January on record despite a cold snap that swept across the United States and Europe, the EU's climate monitor said Tuesday.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

It was held on a Saturday in January, with no other candidates on the ballot, following a cold snap that affected campaigning and early voting.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2026

At least 16 people have died in New York City during the cold snap, city officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

I was still trying to build a sturdy ladder when, during a cold snap a few days later, my can of paint froze solid.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• cold spell
• cold wave
• cold weather