alberta clipper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / North American Regional
Quick answer
What does “alberta clipper” mean?
A fast-moving, low-pressure weather system that originates over the Canadian province of Alberta and brings cold, dry air, wind, and sometimes brief snowfall to large areas of North America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fast-moving, low-pressure weather system that originates over the Canadian province of Alberta and brings cold, dry air, wind, and sometimes brief snowfall to large areas of North America.
In North American meteorological terminology, it refers specifically to a type of intense, fast-moving winter storm originating from Alberta, characterized by its sharply defined cold front, high winds, and rapid development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in general British English. British meteorologists would describe the same weather phenomenon as a 'rapidly deepening depression' or a 'polar low' without the regional designation.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes a specific, familiar type of winter weather event, especially in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. In British English, it has no specific connotation as it is not part of the meteorological lexicon.
Frequency
High frequency in North American weather media during winter; negligible frequency in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “alberta clipper” in a Sentence
[An] Alberta clipper + verb (brings, dumps, sweeps, hits, develops)[An] Alberta clipper + prepositional phrase (across the Midwest, into the Great Lakes)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alberta clipper” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The region is expected to alberta-clipper its way through the weekend with successive cold fronts. (Highly informal/metaphorical)
adjective
American English
- We're in for some classic alberta-clipper weather: windy, cold, and a quick shot of snow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in logistics, travel, and agriculture to forecast disruptions: 'Shipments may be delayed due to the incoming Alberta clipper.'
Academic
Used in climatology, geography, and atmospheric science papers discussing continental air mass movements and storm genesis regions.
Everyday
Used in North American weather reports and casual conversation about winter weather: 'Better bundle up, an Alberta clipper is coming through tonight.'
Technical
Standard term in North American meteorology for a specific synoptic-scale cyclone type with defined origin, path, and characteristics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alberta clipper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alberta clipper”
- Capitalization: Must be capitalized as 'Alberta Clipper'.
- Pluralization: 'Alberta clippers' (not 'Alberta's clippers').
- Misuse: Using it for any snowstorm, not just the fast-moving type from Alberta.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While an Alberta clipper can cause blizzard conditions (low visibility, high winds, blowing snow), it is a type of storm system. A blizzard is a condition defined by specific weather criteria (winds over 35 mph, visibility under 1/4 mile for 3+ hours). Not all Alberta clippers cause blizzards.
The Great Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, and sometimes the Ohio Valley and Northeastern United States feel the greatest impacts, primarily in the form of wind, cold air, and occasional light to moderate snow.
The term references the 19th-century 'clipper ships,' which were renowned for their speed. It metaphorically describes the storm's rapid movement across the continent.
No. The term is specific to cold-season meteorology. The dynamics that create an Alberta clipper—intense cold air from the Arctic meeting milder air—are primarily a winter phenomenon.
A fast-moving, low-pressure weather system that originates over the Canadian province of Alberta and brings cold, dry air, wind, and sometimes brief snowfall to large areas of North America.
Alberta clipper is usually technical / north american regional in register.
Alberta clipper: in British English it is pronounced /ælˌbɜː.tə ˈklɪp.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælˌbɝː.t̬ə ˈklɪp.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Alberta, Canada, 'clipping' quickly across the continent like a fast sailing ship (clipper ship), leaving cold and wind in its wake.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEATHER SYSTEMS ARE TRAVELLERS / RACERS (It 'sweeps,' 'races,' 'moves swiftly').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of an Alberta clipper?