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

From July 14 through 16, a blizzard pounded the ship with gale force winds.

From Literature

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

From Literature

If this blizzard lasted more than a day, I’d need a way to get to the barn to take care of Violet.

From Literature

The television was on; Laurel and Hardy, obscured by a blizzard of electronic snow, were trying to move a grand piano up a great many flights of stairs.

From Literature

After the third day and the streaks of open water had not appeared, a blizzard blew from the north and lasted for almost a week.

From Literature

Related Words

• gale
• precipitation
• squall