whiteout

noun

white·​out ˈ(h)wīt-ˌau̇t 

: a surface weather condition in a snow-covered area (such as a polar region) in which no object casts a shadow, the horizon cannot be seen, and only dark objects are discernible

also : a blizzard that severely reduces visibility

Examples of whiteout in a Sentence

We got caught in a whiteout.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the unstable snowpack, high winds and whiteout conditions made search-and-recovery efforts too perilous, prompting first responders to leave behind the bodies of deceased skiers and suspend operations on Wednesday and Thursday. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware have all issued emergency declarations in response to the storm, which is likely to cause whiteout conditions on many major roads. —CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Some areas are expecting about 6 inches, while some areas may potentially see more than a foot, as well as gusty winds that will likely cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions. —Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026

Wind gusts could reach 60 to 70 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands, creating dangerous whiteout conditions. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

white entry 1 + -out (in blackout)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whiteout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout