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 men climbed despite weather reports forecasting poor conditions later in the day, leading them to summit in a whiteout.
—
Owen Clarke, Outside, 25 Sep. 2025
Dangerous winds, flash flood-inducing rain, and vision-erasing whiteouts are sometimes the cost of entry.
—Outside Online, 17 Sep. 2025
Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The pair hauled a sled heavily loaded with supplies and equipment, as well an extra one for snow samples, all while battling high winds, bitter temperatures and disorientating whiteouts.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whiteout
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Owen Clarke, Outside, 25 Sep. 2025
Dangerous winds, flash flood-inducing rain, and vision-erasing whiteouts are sometimes the cost of entry.
—Outside Online, 17 Sep. 2025
Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The pair hauled a sled heavily loaded with supplies and equipment, as well an extra one for snow samples, all while battling high winds, bitter temperatures and disorientating whiteouts.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for whiteout
Cite this Entry
“Whiteout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiteout. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share