spindrift

noun

spin·​drift ˈspin-ˌdrift 

1

: sea spray

especially : spray blown from waves during a gale

2

: fine wind-borne snow or sand

Did you know?

Spindrift first set sail in the mid-18th century under Scottish command. During its first voyage, it was known by the Scottish moniker "speendrift." Speen meant "to drive before a strong wind," so a "speendrift" was a drift of spray during such action. In 1823, English speakers recruited the word, but signed it up as "spindrift." At that time, its sole duty was to describe the driving sprays at sea. However, English speakers soon realized that "spindrift" had potential to serve on land as well, and the word was sent ashore to describe driving snow and sand. Today, "spindrift" still serves us commendably at sea and on land.

Examples of spindrift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another thoughtful feature: The front vestibule has a flap that blocks spindrift reasonably well, according to Backpacker. —Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, 3 Dec. 2020

A foot of new snow had fallen the night before, and spindrift whipped off La Meije, a sea of icy blue glaciers pocked by crevasses and cliffs unfurling down its flanks. —Kelley McMillan Manley, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2016

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Scots speendrift, from speen to drive before a strong wind + English drift

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

spindrift

noun

spin·​drift ˈspin-ˌdrift 

: spray blown from waves