blizzard

American  

[bliz-erd] / ˈblɪz ərd /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to snow as a blizzard.

   Looks as though it's going to blizzard tonight.

blizzard British  

/ ˈblɪzəd /

noun

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

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blizzard Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• blizzardly adjective
• blizzardy adjective

Etymology

Origin of blizzard

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.

Example Sentences

In Duane’s case, he was stuck between a blizzard and a dragon monster.

From Literature

“Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time in 153 years, The Boston Globe did not deliver its daily edition on Tuesday because blizzard conditions "made it impossible to print and deliver a paper."

From Barron's

A powerful winter blizzard that hit the north-eastern US has left two dead in Maryland and continues to delay flights and cause widespread power outages across the region.

From BBC

If you’re one of the more than 40 million Americans currently digging out from under the blizzard, the Moneyist has some words of advice on neighborliness.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• gale
• precipitation
• squall