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

In February, some Tahoe-area resorts delayed opening or temporarily closed due to whiteout conditions, The Sacramento Bee previously reported. —Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The storm system that dropped snow by the foot in the Midwest, causing whiteout conditions in some areas, barreled toward the East Coast, dropping heavy rain, threatening high winds and prompting multiple tornado warnings. —CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

The storm brought whiteout conditions, strong winds and dangerous travel, forcing closures and stranding drivers across the state. —Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Other stories include a brave school bus driver who keeps the kids safe in a whiteout snowstorm, a woman who saves all her wedding dresses, two speculative fiction pieces about a woman who buys insurance to spend time in an afterlife as pure thought, and one involving school shooting. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 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