avalanche Definition
- 1a sudden and rapid flow of snow, ice, and rocks down a mountain
- 2a large amount of something that comes suddenly and quickly
Using avalanche: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "avalanche" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The skiers were buried in the avalanche.
Example
The avalanche destroyed several houses.
Example
The company faced an avalanche of criticism after the scandal broke out.
Example
The team was overwhelmed by an avalanche of requests.
avalanche Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with avalanche
Example
The loud noise triggered an avalanche.
avalanche warning
an alert issued by authorities to warn people of the risk of avalanches
Example
The ski resort issued an avalanche warning due to heavy snowfall.
Example
The rescue team was dispatched to perform an avalanche rescue.
Origins of avalanche
from French 'avalanche', from Savoy dialect 'avalance', from 'avalant', present participle of 'avalair', meaning 'descend'
Summary: avalanche in Brief
The term 'avalanche' [ˈævəlæntʃ] refers to a sudden and rapid flow of snow, ice, and rocks down a mountain, or a large amount of something that comes suddenly and quickly. Examples include 'The skiers were buried in the avalanche,' and 'The company faced an avalanche of criticism after the scandal broke out.' Phrases like 'trigger an avalanche' and 'avalanche warning' are also common. 'Avalanche' is a formal term that can be replaced with 'snowslide' or 'landslide' in certain contexts.