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Sleet

UK //sliːt// US //sliːt// Pronunciation

Definition

A mixture of rain and snow that falls as ice pellets.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Wet snow or rain that falls when it's cold.

Examples

• The weather forecast predicts sleet overnight.
• Driving can be dangerous when there's sleet on the road.
• Yesterday, we experienced sleet that made everything icy.
• Sleet can cause power outages due to ice accumulation on trees.
• I hate walking in sleet; it makes my shoes wet.

Usage notes

Use 'sleet' to describe specific winter weather conditions. Avoid using it in non-weather contexts. More common in regions with cold winters.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sleet' as 'slippery sheet' of wet snow.

Collocations

• falling sleet
• driving in sleet
• sleet accumulation

Synonyms

• ice pellets
• wintry mix
• winter precipitation

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'sleep' due to pronunciation
• Using 'sleet' when referring to regular rain
• Not recognizing 'sleet' as a specific type of precipitation