: the disappearance of ice from the surface of a body of water (such as a lake) as a result of thawing

Examples of ice-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Go Pike Fishing During Ice-Out One of the best times to catch big pike is right after ice-out, meaning as soon as winter’s grip loosens and ice comes off the lake. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 18 Apr. 2024 In the North, bass are often suspended in deep water and chasing shad schools after ice-out. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024 For ice-out trout, perch, and sunfish, try using half a garden worm. Will Ryan, Field & Stream, 5 July 2023 Both blue and channel cats in lakes gravitate to coves and bays, often gorging themselves on shad that die off in late winter just before ice-out. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 20 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ice-out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ice-out was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near ice-out

Cite this Entry

“Ice-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ice-out. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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