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

Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The pair hauled a sled heavily loaded with supplies and equipment, as well an extra one for snow samples, all while battling high winds, bitter temperatures and disorientating whiteouts. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

Freezing temperatures and whiteouts forced officials to stop looking for DuFour in December. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 12 May 2025

The snow even caused whiteout conditions for an outdoor wedding in Whitefish, according to a video shared by Great Falls news station KRTV. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 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