snowdrift
UK: ˈsnəʊdrɪft | US: ˈsnoʊdrɪft
n. a bank or mound of snow piled up by the wind
The word "snowdrift" combines "snow," from Old English snāw (related to Proto-Germanic snaiwaz), and "drift," derived from Old Norse drift (meaning "snow driven by wind"). The term emerged in Middle English (snowdrift) to describe wind-driven accumulations of snow, reflecting the natural phenomenon where wind redistributes snow into concentrated piles. The morphemes retain their original spellings and meanings, making the compound intuitive for learners.
The hikers struggled through deep snowdrifts on the mountain trail.
After the blizzard, snowdrifts blocked the front door of the house.
The car got stuck in a snowdrift near the roadside.
Children love jumping into soft snowdrifts during winter.
Arctic foxes often shelter in snowdrifts to escape the wind.