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black ice
noun
: a nearly transparent film of ice on a dark surface (such as a paved road or a body of water) that is difficult to see
Examples of black ice in a Sentence
Drivers should beware of black ice.
Recent Examples on the Web
What happens far less frequently is the confluence of several days of a snowless and largely windless freeze that results in the smooth, black ice that’s perfect for wild skating—skimming across naturally frozen, unmaintained bodies of water.
—Cinnamon Janzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024
When driving under conditions that may cause black ice, remember to leave plenty of time and exercise caution on bridges and overpasses.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2024
Motorists can forget to take it slow when conditions appear to be fine, especially in the overnight hours when black ice can be an issue for bridges and elevated roadways.
—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024
In another shot, a Paterson, New Jersey, firefighter who responded to the scene is seen sliding around on a highway covered in black ice.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 21 Dec. 2023
And black ice from freezing rain has caused widespread accidents in several areas, including Kansas City.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2024
Over 130 vehicles skidding and jack-knifing on black ice crashed into one another on a half-mile, tollway stretch of Interstate 35, leading to six deaths.
—Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024
New Jersey police and emergency crews responded to a 13-car pileup on Tuesday night that was caused by black ice, injuring some motorists while a jackknifed tractor trailer leaked diesel fuel onto the highway and into the Passaic River, according to reports.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 21 Dec. 2023
And yet, the 45-year-old actor impressively proves that sneakers can also be worn in winter—provided there is no snow or black ice.
—Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black ice.' 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
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near black ice
Cite this Entry
“Black ice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20ice. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
black ice
noun
: a thin film of ice (as on a road) that is difficult to see
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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