whiteout

noun

white·​out ˈ(h)wīt-ˌau̇t 

: a surface weather condition in a snow-covered area (such as a polar region) in which no object casts a shadow, the horizon cannot be seen, and only dark objects are discernible

also : a blizzard that severely reduces visibility

Examples of whiteout in a Sentence

We got caught in a whiteout.

Recent Examples on the Web

Storms have already brought whiteout conditions and power outages to the East Coast, while Thanksgiving was hit as snow storms affected thousands of people who were traveling home for the holiday. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

If there are several inches of deep fresh snow on the ground, this strong wind will quickly pick up the snow and create whiteout conditions, the NWS explained. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 7 Dec. 2024

According to the National Weather Service warning for the city of Erie and Erie County, whiteout conditions are expected which will make visibility difficult and travel potentially life- threatening. —Calvin Milliner, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Meteorologists are also warning of dangerous snow squalls that can create blinding, whiteout conditions seemingly out of nowhere. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

white entry 1 + -out (in blackout)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above