snow man

A child builds a snow man in the front yard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A figure of a person made of snow: "snow man" refers to a human-like figure constructed from packed snow, typically built by children for amusement. It often features a carrot for a nose, stones for eyes and buttons, and sometimes a scarf or hat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children built a snow man in the garden after the heavy snowfall. (A figure of a person made of snow, created for fun.)
  • We gave the snow man a top hat and a pipe to make it look more realistic. (The snow figure was decorated with accessories.)

Advanced Usage

• "to build a snow man": the common phrase for constructing such a figure.

  • Every winter, the kids rush outside to build a snow man in the front yard. (They create a snow figure as a seasonal activity.)

• "snow man" as a cultural symbol: In many cultures, the snow man is a symbol of winter and holiday cheer, often appearing in stories, decorations, and films (e.g., Frosty the Snowman).

Variants and Related Words

• Snowman (n): the standard spelling (one word) for the same concept; "snow man" is less common but acceptable.

  • The snowman stood tall in the park until the sun melted it. (A figure made of snow, identical in meaning to "snow man".)

• Snowball (n): a ball of packed snow, often used in snowball fights.

  • He threw a snowball at his friend during the game. (A compacted mass of snow for play.)

• Snowdrift (n): a mound of snow piled up by the wind.

  • The car was stuck in a snowdrift after the blizzard. (A natural accumulation of snow.)

Synonyms

• Snow figure: a general term for any shape made of snow, not limited to a human form.
• Frosty figure: a colloquial term referencing the famous character Frosty the Snowman.

Related Idioms

• As cold as a snow man: an informal simile meaning extremely cold.

  • After waiting outside, my hands were as cold as a snow man. (Very cold, like the snow figure.)

• To melt like a snow man: to disappear or weaken quickly, especially under pressure.

  • His resolve melted like a snow man in the sun when he heard the good news. (His determination faded rapidly.)