snowplow

American  

[snoh-plou] / ˈsnoʊˌplaʊ /

noun

1. an implement or machine for clearing away snow from highways, railroad tracks, etc.

2. Skiing. a maneuver in which a skier pushes the heels of both skis outward so that they are far apart, as for turning, decreasing speed, or stopping.

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verb (used with object)

1. to clear of snow using a snowplow.

verb (used without object)

1. to clear away snow with a snowplow.

2. Skiing. to execute a snowplow.

Etymology

Origin of snowplow

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; snow + plow

Example Sentences

Renner suffered a life-threatening snowplow accident on New Year’s Day in 2023 and described the event and his struggles to recover in his 2025 memoir.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

This Christmas marks not quite two years since Renner was severely injured, almost dying after being crushed by a 7-ton snowplow.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2024

Rhode Island officials said that 450 snowplow crews would report for duty around 1 a.m.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2024

Actor Jeremy Renner, who survived a serious snowplow accident at the start of 2023, followed.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023

It isn’t even an inch, but in this part of Oregon a slight dusting brings everything to a standstill as the one snowplow in the county gets busy clearing the roads.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman