avalanche Meaning & Definition
What Does Avalanche Mean?
Avalanche is used as a noun meaning A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice. It can also mean A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice. As a verb, it means To descend like an avalanche.
Word Facts for Avalanche
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈævəlɑːnʃ/ |
| Synonyms | roll down, barrage and blitz |
| Plural | avalanches |
| Verb forms | avalanches, avalanching, avalanched |
Avalanche Definition (Noun)
- A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice.
- A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice.
- A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx; anything like an avalanche in suddenness and overwhelming quantity.
Avalanche as a Verb
- To descend like an avalanche.
- To come down upon; to overwhelm.
The shelf broke and the boxes avalanched the workers.
- To propel downward like an avalanche.
Noun
- (by extension) A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx; anything like an avalanche in suddenness and overwhelming quantity.
Synonyms of Avalanche
Avalanche synonyms and antonyms →Avalanche in a Sentence
The shelf broke and the boxes avalanched the workers.
Word Forms & Grammar
avalanche (plural avalanches)
avalanche (third-person singular simple present avalanches, present participle avalanching, simple past and past participle avalanched)
Words That Rhyme With Avalanche
Origin of Avalanche
From French avalanche, from Franco-Provençal (Savoy) avalançhe, blend of aval (“downhill”) and standard lavençhe, from Vulgar Latin *labanka (compare Occitan lavanca, Italian valanga), of uncertain origin, perhaps an alteration of Late Latin lābīna (“landslide”) (compare Franco-Provençal (Dauphiné) lavino, Romansh lavina), from Latin lābēs, from lābor (“to slip, slide”).
Frequently Asked Questions About Avalanche
Is avalanche a noun or a verb?
Avalanche is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for avalanche?
Words with a similar meaning to avalanche include roll down, barrage and blitz. See the full list of avalanche synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of avalanche?
The plural of avalanche is avalanches.
What is the past tense of avalanche?
The past tense of avalanche is avalanched. The present participle is avalanching.