snowdrift

American  

[snoh-drift] / ˈsnoʊˌdrɪft /

noun

1. a mound or bank of snow driven together by the wind.

2. snow driven before the wind.

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snowdrift British  

/ ˈsnəʊˌdrɪft /

noun

1. a bank of deep snow driven together by the wind

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Etymology

Origin of snowdrift

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; snow, drift

Example Sentences

There have been reports of heavy snowdrifts and strong winds in the area.

From BBC

Sierra-at-Tahoe said on its website that “the storm’s intensity did not let up — in fact it doubled down overnight,” with winds piling up deep snowdrifts that workers were in the process of clearing.

From Los Angeles Times

Major roadways leading to the stadium were cleared, with 5-foot snowdrifts lining the roads after they were plowed.

From Seattle Times

In an emergency where you have an extended power outage, snowdrifts outside your door can be used as a temporary freezer to keep food ready.

From Seattle Times

Hundreds of cars ground to a halt in snowdrifts.

From BBC

Related Words

• sleet