snow blower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Everyday, Technical (specific contexts)
Quick answer
What does “snow blower” mean?
A powered machine, usually with a rotating spiral blade, used to clear snow from driveways, paths, and other surfaces by picking it up and throwing it to the side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powered machine, usually with a rotating spiral blade, used to clear snow from driveways, paths, and other surfaces by picking it up and throwing it to the side.
Any mechanical device designed to remove snow by forceful displacement; can also refer to someone or something that metaphorically 'clears away' obstacles or clutter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'snow blower' is American English. The British English equivalent is typically 'snow thrower' or, more generically, a 'snow clearing machine'.
Connotations
In the US, it's a standard household/industrial term. In the UK, it's an Americanism; the concept is less common due to climate differences.
Frequency
High frequency in North American regions with heavy snowfall. Low frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “snow blower” in a Sentence
[Subject] used/started/operated the snow blower.[Subject] cleared the driveway with a snow blower.The snow blower [verb: jammed, threw, cleared] the snow.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snow blower” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to snow-blower the path after this storm.
- He spent the morning snow-blowing.
American English
- I have to snow-blow the driveway.
- They were snow-blowing all night.
adjective
British English
- The snow-blower attachment is broken.
- He has a snow-blower licence for the council equipment.
American English
- The snow-blower engine needs a tune-up.
- We followed the snow-blower route through town.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail of seasonal home and garden equipment.
Academic
Rare; possibly in engineering or climate adaptation studies.
Everyday
Discussing winter chores, home maintenance, weather preparedness.
Technical
Specifications in machinery manuals, product reviews, hardware stores.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “snow blower”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “snow blower”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snow blower”
- Misspelling as 'snowblower' (acceptable but often shown as two words).
- Using 'snow blower' to refer to a snowplough (a vehicle that pushes snow).
- Pronouncing 'blower' as 'bowler'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found as both 'snow blower' (two words) and 'snowblower' (one word). Dictionaries often list it as two words, but the closed compound is widely accepted.
Yes, informally. For example, 'I need to snow-blow the walkway' (often hyphenated when used as a verb).
A snow blower (thrower) uses an auger to gather snow and an impeller to discharge it through a chute. A snow plough (plow) is a blade that pushes snow to the side without mechanically throwing it.
It depends on climate and physical ability. In areas with frequent, heavy snowfall, it can save significant time and physical strain compared to shovelling. For light or infrequent snow, a shovel may suffice.
A powered machine, usually with a rotating spiral blade, used to clear snow from driveways, paths, and other surfaces by picking it up and throwing it to the side.
Snow blower is usually informal, everyday, technical (specific contexts) in register.
Snow blower: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsnəʊ ˌbləʊ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsnoʊ ˌbloʊ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a machine that BLOWS SNOW away. SNOW BLOWER = blows snow.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE BODY (augments human strength); NATURE IS AN OPPONENT (machine fights/clears snow).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common British English term for a 'snow blower'?