Definition

A very heavy snowstorm that has strong winds and makes it hard to see.

Example

The blizzard caused the roads to be closed for several days.

Conversation

Did you see the weather report for tomorrow?

Yeah, they're warning us about a big blizzard coming our way.

I hope it doesn't affect my plans for the weekend.

Same here! A blizzard could really mess things up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Blizzard originates from the American English term 'blizzard', which is believed to be a combination of 'blizz' (meaning to blow or to make a sudden movement) and the suffix '-ard' (often used to denote a person or thing associated with a particular quality). The word describes a severe snowstorm characterized by strong winds and low visibility, evoking the idea of snow being blown around violently.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong wind 'blowing' ('blizz') snow around, and the '-ard' suggests something intense or severe. This helps you remember that a blizzard is a fierce snowstorm.

Visually Confused Words