black ice

American  

noun

1. a thin sheet of ice, as on a road surface, usually caused by freezing mist and creating hazardous driving conditions.

2. Oceanography. sea ice that is clear enough to show the color of the water underneath.

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black ice British  

noun

1. a thin transparent layer of new ice on a road or similar surface

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Etymology

Origin of black ice

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

All public bus services in Paris and the surrounding suburbs were also suspended because of icy roads, with almost half of the country's mainland on alert for heavy snow and black ice.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

There were more than four hours of delays traveling down the mountain because of black ice, coach Robert Maxie said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2024

In Mississippi, the weather has prompted officials to warn drivers to "drive only if necessary" and "be aware of black ice" on the state's roads.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2024

New Yorkers have been warned that roads could be covered with black ice this weekend.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2024

My truck seemed to have no problem with the black ice that covered the roads.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer