whiteout

noun

white·​out ˈ(h)wīt-ˌau̇t How to pronounce whiteout (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Winter storms in the Cascades can turn routine travel into a life‑threatening situation, as heavy snow, strong winds and rapidly changing conditions frequently lead to slick roads and sudden whiteouts. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Expect whiteout conditions with the gusty winds. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026 Then conditions suddenly turn whiteout, disorienting at best and fatal at worst. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026 The storm system that dropped snow by the foot in the Midwest, causing whiteout conditions in some areas, barreled toward the East Coast, dropping heavy rain, threatening high winds and prompting multiple tornado warnings. CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiteout

Word History

Etymology

white entry 1 + -out (in blackout)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiteout was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiteout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiteout. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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