snowplow

noun snow·plow \ ˈsnō-ˌplau̇ \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: snowplow in a Sentence

Definition of snowplow

1 : any of various devices used for clearing away snow

2 : a stemming with both skis used for coming to a stop, slowing down, or descending slowly

See snowplow defined for English-language learners

See snowplow defined for kids

Recent Examples of snowplow from the Web

When ash fell in 2009 the the airport covered it with snow and used a snowplow to clear it, Wassen said.

— michelle theriault boots, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska is no stranger to volcanoes erupting. But what would happen in a big one?," 28 May 2018
Miami Township, Clermont County - Snow emergency on all Miami Township roads effective Saturday at 6 a.m. Township says cars should be removed from streets so snowplows can be more effective.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Are you on the list? Greater Cincinnati communities declare snow emergencies," 12 Jan. 2018
But on Nextdoor, the overwhelming majority of Americans were focused on the impacts of late-season snowstorms: stuck cars, downed power lines, and especially snowplows.

— ian bogost, The Atlantic, "What Petty Nextdoor Posts Reveal About America," 20 June 2018
The family of a 57-year-old woman killed by a snowplow truck at Begich Middle School is suing the Anchorage School District.

— zaz hollander, Anchorage Daily News, "Family of Anchorage woman killed by school snowplower sues district," 8 Feb. 2018
With the storm bearing down, the City of Milwaukee declared overnight, alternate-side parking restrictions for Sunday and Monday night to help drivers of snowplows and salt trucks clear the streets.

— james b. nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Several inches of snow on the ground, and more is coming today and tonight," 14 Jan. 2018
The storm is like a snowplow in the atmosphere, shunting air ahead of it upwards and out of the way.

— matthew cappucci, Washington Post, "Video: Severe thunderstorms lash the Plains with tornadoes and hail," 4 May 2018
Pavement heaves, snowplows gash it, and wounds open up called potholes, chuckholes or worse.

— grant segall, cleveland.com, "Thumpity thump: Potholes are 'worse than usual' this year (photos)," 12 Mar. 2018
Dating to 1886, the carnival features more than four dozen events, including a snowplow competition, a boot hockey tournament and night parades.

— elaine glusac, chicagotribune.com, "Hygge vibe makes Minneapolis a winter winner," 25 Jan. 2018

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

First Known Use of snowplow

1792

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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snowplow

verb

Definition of snowplow

snowplowed; snowplowing; snowplows

intransitive verb

: to execute a snowplow

snowplowed to a stop

See snowplow defined for English-language learners

Examples of snowplow in a Sentence

He snowplowed to a stop.

Recent Examples of snowplow from the Web

The board is also reviewing a homeowners association agreement, which outlines how the group will be responsible for a common septic system, and snowplowing the development’s private road, Guimond said.

— jill terreri ramos, BostonGlobe.com, "Marshfield housing development back on planning table," 10 May 2018
The results show the risks posed by the deficit-reduction plan that lawmakers have advanced to help pay for basic government services like schools and snowplowing while preserving a decades-old cash benefit.

— nathaniel herz, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska politicians could use the Permanent Fund to fix the deficit. But will that put PFDs at risk?," 21 Jan. 2018
Already a few bike trails are snowplowed in winter to allow hardy residents with fat-tired bikes to get around.

— tony bizjak, sacbee, "Driving to Lake Tahoe? Planners hope you’ll take the bus instead.," 10 May 2017

First Known Use of snowplow

1904

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SNOWPLOW Defined for English Language Learners

snowplow

noun

Definition of snowplow for English Language Learners

: a flat or curved piece of metal that is attached to the front of a vehicle and used for clearing snow from a road, driveway, etc.; also : a vehicle (such as a truck) that has a snowplow attached
: a position in skiing in which the front ends of the skis are moved together in order to stop, slow down, or turn