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BLIZZARD

BLIZ-urd

Noun
Basic Level
8 Letters

Quick Definition

BLIZZARD A severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility; an overwhelming amount of something.

Scrabble Points

29

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

💡 Pro Tip:

Playing BLIZZARD uses all tiles (7 from rack + 1 on board), earning a 50-point bingo bonus in Scrabble! Total potential: $79 points before multipliers.

Definition & Meaning

A blizzard is a severe winter storm characterized by strong sustained winds of 35 mph or more and lasting snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile for at least three hours. These conditions create dangerous white-out situations and can paralyze entire regions.

Metaphorically, blizzard describes any overwhelming quantity arriving rapidly, such as 'a blizzard of emails' or 'a blizzard of criticism.' This usage captures the storm's sense of being buried or overwhelmed by sheer volume.

For word game players, BLIZZARD offers an 8-letter word with double Z, providing substantial scoring potential. The familiar weather term makes it safe from challenges while the double Z configuration ensures high point value.

Blizzards shape life in cold climates, influencing architecture, transportation, and culture. From the Great Blizzard of 1888 that transformed American cities to modern storm naming systems, blizzards represent nature's power to disrupt human activity despite technological advances.

Did You Know?

  • The deadliest blizzard in history killed 4,000 people in Iran in 1972.
  • Antarctica experiences blizzards with winds over 200 mph.
  • The term 'blizzard' wasn't used for snowstorms until an Iowa newspaper in 1870.
  • Some blizzards occur with temperatures above freezing due to ground conditions.

Etymology & Origin

The word 'blizzard' appeared mysteriously in American English around 1870. Its origin is unknown, though it may derive from German 'blitzartig' meaning 'lightning-like' or English dialect 'blizzer' meaning 'blaze.' It originally meant any violent blow before becoming specific to snowstorms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Words with similar meaning

SNOWSTORM

General winter storm

WHITEOUT

Zero visibility condition

TEMPEST

Violent storm

Antonyms

Words with opposite meaning

CALM

No wind

CLEAR

Good visibility

MILD

Gentle weather

Word Forms & Variations

Plural Form

blizzards

Related Terms

blizzardy
blizzard-like
blizzard conditions

Common Phrases & Collocations

Frequent Combinations

  • blizzard warning

    Official storm alert

  • blizzard of activity

    Intense busy period

  • ground blizzard

    Blowing snow without falling snow

In Context

    Letter Analysis & Game Details

    Letter Distribution

    B (3 pts)
    1x
    L (1 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    Z (10 pts)
    2x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    R (1 pts)
    1x
    D (2 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 28 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 6

    Word Building

    Rhyming Words

    WIZARD
    LIZARD
    GIZZARD
    BUZZARD

    Similar 8-Letter Words

    Other high-scoring 8-letter words (Scrabble)

    Word Game Strategy

    Playing BLIZZARD

    • 1.8-letter word with double Z
    • 2.Weather terms commonly accepted
    • 3.Can sometimes build from LIZARD
    • 4.Save for open board situations
    • 5.High scoring potential

    Strategic Considerations

    Focus on maximizing tile placement and multipliers.

    Usage Examples in Context

    "The blizzard of 1996 dumped four feet of snow on the Northeast, closing cities for days."

    "After the announcement, the company faced a blizzard of complaints from customers."

    "BLIZZARD played across premium squares netted an impressive score."

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    Blizzards have shaped human settlement patterns, inspired survival stories, and created shared cultural experiences. From Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'The Long Winter' to modern snow day traditions, blizzards represent both nature's danger and opportunities for community bonding during forced isolation.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    • Any heavy snow is a blizzard:Specific wind and visibility criteria required
    • Blizzards need extreme cold:Wind and snow matter more than temperature
    • Spelling as 'blizard':Double Z: BLIZZARD

    Related Words to Explore

    Master This Word

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    Content reviewed by Word Game Experts