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noun

snowdrift

SNOH-drift
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Snowdrift (noun) means a bank of snow piled up by the wind. Example: “The car was stuck in a deep snowdrift.”

noun
1
A bank of snow piled up by the wind.
"The car was stuck in a deep snowdrift."
"Snowdrifts had blocked the lane by morning."
"The children jumped into a snowdrift beside the wall."

How to use snowdrift

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA snowdrift is a heap of snow built up by the wind.

When to use it

It is an ordinary, neutral word used in everyday speech and writing.

Memory tip

The plural is snowdrifts, and you usually say in or into a snowdrift.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
deep snowdrift stuck in a snowdrift buried in a snowdrift snowdrifts on the road
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Can you complete this real example?

The car was stuck in a deep _____.

Etymology

The word is a compound formed in English from snow and drift.

Origin: English

snowbank

Frequently asked questions

What is a snowdrift?
A snowdrift is a bank of snow that the wind has piled up.
Is snowdrift one word or two?
It is normally written as one word, although snow drift also appears as a variant.
What is another word for snowdrift?
Snowbank is a common alternative.
What is the meaning of snowdrift?
"snowdrift" (noun) means a bank of snow piled up by the wind.