What does snowing mean?
“Snowing” is the present participle of the verb “snow” and is also used as a noun for the falling or accumulation of snow. Its most familiar use is in expressions such as “it is snowing,” which describe what is happening at the present moment without requiring a precise time or measurement. The word naturally evokes wintry weather and may suggest cold, reduced visibility, disruption, or the beauty of a snow-covered landscape. Although “snowfall” can refer more formally to an amount of snow that has fallen, “snowing” usually focuses on the ongoing event rather than a measured total. As a noun, “snowing” is less frequent and tends to occur in formal descriptions of weather or seasons. Together, its verbal and nominal uses make it a concise way to discuss both active precipitation and the process of winter weather.
Used with forms of the verb “be” to say that snow is falling.
"It has been snowing since midnight."
This is the standard present-continuous form in “it is snowing.” The sense does not normally take an object.
The falling or accumulation of snow.
"The constant snowing closed several mountain roads."
The noun use is less common than the verbal form and often occurs in formal or literary contexts.
A rare plural used when referring to distinct occasions or periods of snowfall.
"Early snowings in the valley were followed by mild winters."
Snowing can name both an action and the weather event itself: the sky is snowing, and the snowing continues through the night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snowing come from?
The form belongs to the verb “snow,” whose Old English ancestor was “snāw,” meaning snow. Modern “snowing” was formed by adding the present-participle ending -ing to the verb. English compounds such as “snowflake,” “snowfall,” and “snowstorm” reflect the same basic Germanic word for snow and share its associations with wintry weather.
Related word forms
How snowing is actually used
The continuous form “It is snowing” is the usual way to describe present snowfall; “to snow” also occurs but is less common in ongoing situations. The noun use is relatively uncommon and often sounds formal or literary.
Easily confused with snowing
“Snowing” describes the fall of snow, whereas “snoozing” means taking a short sleep.