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

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 Word Forms

• blizzardy adjective
• blizzardly 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

Russia, Gibson said, probably wouldn’t leave a cargo ship of military supplies drifting in a blizzard because port workers had gone home.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And scientists say a warm, wet Tibet could mean unstable weather and frequent snowstorms and blizzards.

Read more on BBC

The blizzard struck during China's eight-day Golden Week holiday, a peak season for local tourism.

Read more on BBC

First there was the blizzard of headlines about the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Read more on BBC

Then came the real challenge — snow, a blizzard and freezing temperatures.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gale 
• precipitation 
• squall