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

The winter-whiteout theme continues with thick white carpeting. —James Raia, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026

Snow squalls could cause sudden whiteout conditions on interstates between the Great Lakes and Appalachians. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

The Michigan Department of Transportation said the northbound lanes were shut down along that section of the freeway in Wayne County, starting at about noon, or roughly the same time that snow squalls spun up in Metro Detroit, resulting in whiteout conditions in some places. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025

If there are several inches of deep fresh snow on the ground, this strong wind will quickly pick up the snow and create whiteout conditions, the NWS explained. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Dec. 2025

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