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Whiteout

UK //ˈwaɪt.aʊt// US //ˈwaɪt.aʊt// Pronunciation

Definition

A weather phenomenon where snow and wind reduce visibility to almost zero.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A weather condition with very heavy snow and wind that makes it hard to see.

Examples

• Driving was dangerous during the whiteout, as we could barely see the road.
• The weather forecast warned of possible whiteouts in the mountain regions.
• We experienced a whiteout while hiking, making it hard to find our way back.
• Tourists were trapped due to a sudden whiteout, requiring rescue teams to act quickly.
• The pilot could not land during the whiteout, so they had to circle for a while.

Usage notes

Use 'whiteout' in weather forecasting or when discussing travel conditions. Not suitable for formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of white snow covering everything like a blanket, making it a 'whiteout' scene.

Collocations

• expect a whiteout
• experience a whiteout
• travel in a whiteout
• weather whiteout
• sudden whiteout

Synonyms

• blizzard
• snowstorm
• storm
• whiteout condition

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'blackout', which refers to loss of light.
• Mistakenly used as a verb instead of a noun.
• Using 'whiteout' to describe colored or variable snow instead of the specific weather condition.