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Synonyms

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.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Filming from the ground floor with handheld cameras that wouldn’t stir museum security’s suspicion, P.A.I.N. captured a truly remarkable sight as the Sackler’s blizzard came to life.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

My niece isn’t a frequent flier and was grateful for my help getting her new flights home from Florida without paying a cent during last month’s blizzard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

It looked like the most fun anyone could have in a blizzard.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

As a powerful blizzard blankets the East Coast in snow, another force of nature is preparing to take over the chilly streets of Manhattan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

I run along the inner side of the fence, as close as I can get, calling out David’s name, but the sounds of helicopter blades and sirens mute my screams in the blizzard of dust.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.