Definition

A large mass of snow that falls down a mountain, often causing danger or damage.

Example

The snowslide buried several cars under tons of snow.

Conversation

Did you hear about the snowslide that happened last weekend?

Yeah, I saw it on the news; it looked really scary!

I know, right? I can't believe how fast the snowslide moved down the mountain.

It's a reminder to be careful when hiking in the winter.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Snowslide is formed from "snow" (from Old English *snāw*, meaning frozen precipitation) and "slide" (from Old English *slīdan*, meaning to glide or move smoothly). The word describes the event of snow gliding or moving down a slope.

Memory Tip

Imagine snow 'gliding' ('slide') down a mountain — that's what a snowslide is.

Visually Confused Words