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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 29 May. 2023.

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