cold snap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1General (predominantly journalistic and everyday)
Quick answer
What does “cold snap” mean?
A sudden, brief period of unusually cold weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sudden, brief period of unusually cold weather.
A sharp, unanticipated drop in temperature lasting from a few hours to several days.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Associated with inconvenience, potential damage to plants/pipes, and a need for increased heating.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though may be more frequent in regions with more variable temperate climates (e.g., UK, Northern US).
Grammar
How to Use “cold snap” in a Sentence
A cold snap hits/strikes/grips [PLACE].We're experiencing a cold snap.The forecast warned of a cold snap.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cold snap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The weather is set to snap from mild to freezing tonight.
- Temperatures could snap back below zero by morning.
American English
- The weather is going to snap cold this weekend.
- Looks like it'll snap back to winter after this warm front.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used adverbially.
American English
- N/A - not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'cold' is the adjective modifying the noun 'snap'. The phrase functions as a compound noun.
American English
- N/A - 'cold' is the adjective modifying the noun 'snap'. The phrase functions as a compound noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of energy demand spikes, supply chain disruptions due to icy roads.
Academic
Used in climatology, meteorology, and environmental science papers discussing short-term weather phenomena.
Everyday
Common in weather forecasts and casual conversation about unexpected cold weather.
Technical
In meteorology, may be defined by specific temperature thresholds and duration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cold snap”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cold snap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cold snap”
- Confusing it with 'cold spell' (which can be longer).
- Using 'cold snap' for a prolonged winter.
- Incorrectly pluralizing as 'cold snaps' is possible but less common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'cold snap' emphasizes suddenness and is typically shorter (hours to a few days). A 'cold spell' can be longer and less abrupt, often lasting several days or weeks.
Yes, though less common. It describes an unseasonably cold period, e.g., 'A summer cold snap brought hail to the mountains.'
It is standard English but leans towards journalistic and everyday use. In highly formal scientific contexts, 'cold wave' or specific technical definitions might be preferred.
Pronounced /snæp/ in both British and American English, with a short 'a' sound as in 'cat'.
A sudden, brief period of unusually cold weather.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “snap (noun) - a sudden, sharp period of something (e.g., 'a cold snap', 'a hot snap')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the weather 'snapping' suddenly from mild to cold, like a crisp, brittle twig snapping.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEATHER IS A FORCE (that can snap/grip/hit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'cold snap'?