whiteout

noun

white·​out ˈ(h)wīt-ˌau̇t How to pronounce whiteout (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our team racked up hundreds of miles run, ridden, and skied in conditions ranging from sub-zero mid-mountain whiteouts to mild seaside runs. Nathan Pipenberg, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024 Reminded me of getting caught in scary whiteouts along Lake Ontario. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2024 Strong winds are expected to accompany the snow, which could result in whiteout conditions. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2024 On Tuesday they were hampered by whiteout conditions and strong winds that prevented searchers from reaching the higher elevations of the peak. Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for whiteout 

Word History

Etymology

white entry 1 + -out (in blackout)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiteout was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near whiteout

Cite this Entry

“Whiteout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiteout. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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