whiteout

noun

white·​out ˈ(h)wīt-ˌau̇t 

: a surface weather condition in a snow-covered area (such as a polar region) in which no object casts a shadow, the horizon cannot be seen, and only dark objects are discernible

also : a blizzard that severely reduces visibility

Examples of whiteout in a Sentence

We got caught in a whiteout.

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavy snowfall in Colorado’s mountains and whiteout conditions fueled by strong winds also closed U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass on Monday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2025

Blowing snow, whiteout conditions, and icy roads will make driving treacherous, especially in mountainous regions and along highways. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

In Oregon, a stretch of westbound Interstate 84 in Multnomah County east of Portland was closed after 20 to 30 vehicles crashed in whiteout conditions, the state Transportation Department said. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025

Wind gusts are anticipated to reach 60 mph and whiteout conditions are expected. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

white entry 1 + -out (in blackout)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whiteout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout