blizzard

noun

bliz·zard | \ˈbli-zərd

Definition of blizzard

1 : a long severe snowstorm

2 : an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow

3 : an overwhelming rush or deluge a blizzard of mail around the holidays

Other Words from blizzard Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about blizzard

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Did You Know?

The earliest recorded appearance of the word blizzard meaning “a severe snowstorm” was in the April 23, 1870 issue of a newspaper published in Estherville, Iowa. Blizzard shows up again during the following years in several newspapers in Iowa and neighboring states, and by 1888, when a snowstorm paralyzed the Eastern seaboard, the word was well-known nationally. However, in other senses, the word blizzard existed earlier. Davy Crocket, for instance, used it twice in the 1830s, once to mean a rifle blast and once to mean for a blast of words. All of these uses seem related, but the ultimate origin of the word is still unclear.

Examples of blizzard in a Sentence

We were snowed in by a raging blizzard.

Recent Examples on the Web

The weekend blizzard that pummeled the region left snow drifts 10 feet deep next to some barns, frustrating efforts to get ladders and snow removal equipment up on the roof. — Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Dairy barn roofs collapse under heavy snow, killing and trapping some cows in northeastern Wisconsin," 17 Apr. 2018 While the Huskies were on their way to the the tournament Wednesday – their first game is Thursday against Delaware – their bus got stuck in the blizzard just blocks away from their hotel, according to NBC10 Boston. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "Women's basketball team saves team bus in the middle of a snowstorm," 8 Mar. 2018 The weather systems unleashed three sets of menacing conditions this weekend: thunderstorms and tornado risks in the South, more wildfire danger in Oklahoma and the southern Plains, and a blizzard in the upper Plains and Upper Midwest. — Amir Vera, CNN, "Severe weather hits South, North and Midwest," 15 Apr. 2018 The upcoming blizzard set to slam east coast starting late Friday night is predicted to be a doozy. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Everything You Need to Weather the First Big Snowstorm of 2016," 21 Jan. 2016 Attorneys for Garces and his opponents have filed a blizzard of legal motions, including a transcript of that contentious April 26 vote at the law office. — Michael Klein, Philly.com, "Chef Jose Garces faces a crucial court date," 18 May 2018 In South Dakota, where a blizzard warning covered much of the state, authorities issued no-travel advisories for many highways and closed much of Interstate 90 in the western half of the state. — CBS News, "Massive storm system spawns tornado in Arkansas, blizzard in Plains," 14 Apr. 2018 On the last day of winter, a sudden blizzard engulfed Veterans Memorial Stadium Monday night. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Blizzard of points sends So. Houston soccer to 6A playoffs," 20 Mar. 2018 Dairy Queen: Sign up for their fan club online and get a coupon for a buy one get one free blizzard. — Collier Sutter, PEOPLE.com, "Hooray! 72 Restaurants Where You Can Get Free Food on Your Birthday," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blizzard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.