WordGarden.iosnowfall
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /snˈəʊfɔːl/
US
- /ˈsnoʊfɑl/
Meanings
Noun
snow falling from the sky, or the amount that falls
Beyond the definition
Snowfall is the event of snow falling from the sky. Picture a quiet winter evening, with flakes drifting down outside the window. That is snowfall. The word can describe the snow as it is coming down, and it can also mean the amount that falls during a period of time. A small amount might be called "light snowfall," while a storm may bring "heavy snowfall." It can feel peaceful and beautiful, or cause trouble when too much collects on roads and paths.
Imagine a cozy cabin, a warm drink, and the soft sound of snowfall outside. Then picture a city slowing down because of heavy snowfall. The word can suggest the beauty of winter, but also its problems.
Snowfall refers to snow falling from the sky. It can mean the process itself, and it can also mean the amount of snow that falls in a certain place or time. In this way, it is different from "snow," which names the substance. "Snowfall" focuses on the event or on the measured amount.
You often hear the word in weather reports and everyday winter talk. For example, a forecast might mention heavy snowfall overnight, or someone might say the snowfall was light and barely covered the ground. It is commonly used when people talk about storms, road conditions, travel delays, ski seasons, and winter scenes.
The word often carries a calm, visual feeling. It may bring to mind quiet streets, white fields, and flakes moving through the air. At the same time, it can suggest danger or difficulty when the amount is large, especially if transport, work, or daily routines are affected.
In writing, snowfall is usually used literally, but it can also help create mood. A writer may use it to make a scene feel peaceful, lonely, magical, or severe, depending on what is happening.
So whether you are following a winter forecast, describing a mountain village, or talking about a storm that changed the day, snowfall names one of the most familiar parts of winter: snow coming down from the sky and gathering over the world below.
Examples
- 1
Road closure
Heavy snowfall closed the mountain road overnight.
- 2
Weather forecast
We're expecting more snowfall this weekend.
- 3
Seasonal climate
This area gets very little snowfall in early spring.
- 4
Annual average
The average annual snowfall here is about two meters.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Neighborhood scene
After the first snowfall, the whole neighborhood looked quieter.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- snowfallnoun
Forms
- snowfallspluralnoun