What does avalanche mean?
An avalanche is a rapid slide of a large mass of snow, often mixed with ice and rock, down a mountain slope — one of nature's most destructive forces. The word also carries a well-established figurative meaning: any sudden, overwhelming rush or flood of things, as in 'an avalanche of emails' or 'an avalanche of criticism'. This dual usage makes it a versatile word, equally at home in scientific reporting on mountain hazards and in vivid journalistic description. Connotations are overwhelmingly dramatic and forceful, suggesting unstoppable momentum and accumulating weight. The term entered English from the French in the eighteenth century and has become firmly established across British and American English. Whether describing a genuine alpine hazard or a metaphorical deluge, 'avalanche' conveys scale, speed, and inevitability more powerfully than near-synonyms like 'flood' or 'torrent'.
A large mass of snow, ice, and rock that falls or slides rapidly down a mountainside.
"The skiers were warned about loose snow that could trigger an avalanche."
An overwhelming or excessive quantity of things arriving at once.
"The company received an avalanche of applications after the job posting went viral."
Figurative use; very common in news and business writing.
(of snow) to fall or slide down a mountainside in an avalanche.
"Heavy fresh snow avalanched onto the road below."
Less common than the noun; used mainly in technical or descriptive writing about mountain conditions.
Standard plural, pronounced with a /ɪz/ ending.
"Several avalanches were reported across the Alps last week."
The word 'avalanche' comes from the French 'avalanche', itself derived from the verb ' avaler' meaning 'to descend' or 'to swallow' — literally, something that swallows everything in its path.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of avalanche
The word avalanche derives from the French avalanche, which itself traces back to the verb avaler, meaning 'to let down' or 'to swallow'. Its deeper roots lie in the Latin lavare, 'to wash', via Vulgar Latin forms relating to descent. English borrowed the word during the eighteenth century, replacing earlier native terms such as 'snowslide' in common usage.
Related word forms
How avalanche is actually used
Used both literally for snow events and figuratively for sudden overwhelming quantities; the figurative sense is common in journalism and everyday speech.
Easily confused with avalanche
A landslide is a mass movement of rock, earth, or soil, whereas an avalanche specifically involves snow and ice on mountainsides.