snow-drift

A large snow-drift has formed against the garden fence.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bank of snow piled up by the wind: A "snow-drift" is a mass or mound of snow that has been accumulated by the force of the wind, often found against obstacles or in depressions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The car got stuck in a large snow-drift after the blizzard. (A mound of snow created by the wind that blocked the vehicle.)
  • We had to dig a path through a deep snow-drift to reach the front door. (A wind-piled accumulation of snow requiring removal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be caught in a snow-drift": to become trapped or hindered by a wind-formed snow bank.

  • The hikers were caught in a snow-drift and had to wait for rescue. (They were stuck in a deep mound of snow.)

• "to form a snow-drift": describing the natural process of snow accumulation by wind.

  • Strong winds caused a snow-drift to form along the fence. (The wind piled snow into a mound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Snow (n): frozen precipitation falling as white flakes.

  • The ground was covered in fresh snow. (A layer of frozen water crystals.)

• Drift (n): a pile or bank of something (e.g., snow, sand) moved by wind or water.

  • Sand drifts formed along the beach after the storm. (Mounds created by wind.)

Synonyms

• Snow bank: a mound of snow, often used interchangeably with "snow-drift."

  • The snow bank blocked the driveway. (A pile of snow from shoveling or wind.)

• Windrow: a line of snow or other material left by wind or a plow.

  • The plow created a windrow of snow along the road. (A ridge of snow.)

Related Idioms

• "Drift into a snow-drift": a poetic or informal expression meaning to become lost or stuck in a snowy situation.

  • He drifted into a snow-drift while walking home. (He accidentally walked into a deep snow pile.)

• "Snow-drift of silence": a figurative use meaning a heavy, quiet accumulation of silence.

  • The room fell into a snow-drift of silence after the announcement. (A deep, cold quiet.)