Definition

A condition where heavy snow and cloud cover make it hard to see, or a white fluid used to cover mistakes on paper.

Example

The blizzard created a whiteout, making it impossible to see the road ahead.

Conversation

Did you hear about the whiteout conditions expected this weekend?

Yeah, they say visibility will be really low, like almost nothing to see.

I hope it doesn't affect our plans to go hiking.

Same here! But if it does, we might need to postpone for safety.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Whiteout is formed from "white" (from Old English "hwita", meaning bright or colorless) and "out" (from Old English "ūtan", meaning outside or out of). The term describes a weather condition where visibility is severely reduced due to snow or fog, creating a bright, white landscape that obscures outlines and depth.

Memory Tip

Think of the color 'white' representing brightness and the word 'out' indicating something outside. Together, they help you remember that 'whiteout' refers to a condition where everything outside is obscured by a bright, white cover.

Visually Confused Words