What does snowball mean?
A snowball is a compact mass of snow, usually one that has been rolled into a rounded shape. The expression has also developed a figurative meaning: a snowball is a situation, movement, or problem that begins modestly but grows rapidly, often because each development makes the next more likely. A snowball effect describes this self-reinforcing expansion, as in rising interest, accumulating debt, or growing public attention. The word is common in phrases such as snowball fight and snowball effect. Literal references are usually neutral and may evoke winter play or weather; figurative references can be favorable or threatening, depending on whether the growing process is constructive or difficult to control.
A lump or mass of snow, especially one large enough to be rolled into a ball.
"The children made a large snowball in the garden."
The literal sense is associated with snow and commonly occurs in snowball fight.
A situation, problem, or process that grows rapidly and gathers momentum.
"What began as a local dispute became a snowball of political controversy."
This figurative sense suggests continual accumulation and self-reinforcing growth; it may be neutral, favorable, or threatening depending on context.
To grow rapidly and gather momentum, especially through repeated or accumulating effects.
"The debate began quietly but quickly snowballed into a national argument."
The verb is often used with problems, arguments, costs, interest, and other developments that increase beyond expectations.
The plural is used for individual masses of snow, physical objects, or figurative problems and developments.
"Several snowballs rolled down the hill, while the financial problems continued to snowball."
A snowball can begin as a small handful of snow, but a snowball effect can make an entire industry or institution grow with astonishing momentum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snowball come from?
Snowball is a compound formed in Middle English from snow and ball. Both elements have Germanic origins: snow continues Old English snāw, while ball comes through French from Latin balla, meaning a round object. The compound originally referred to a mass of snow, while the figurative sense developed much later from the image of a snowball becoming larger as it rolls.
Related word forms
How snowball is actually used
In its literal sense, the word is commonly used for a mass of snow and in the expression snowball fight. In figurative use, it suggests a process that becomes larger or more forceful through accumulation and feedback; it can describe beneficial developments as well as harmful ones.