What does snowman mean?
A snowman is a human-shaped figure made from snow, typically assembled from several rounded masses of packed snow. It is often decorated with simple materials such as stones for the eyes and mouth, sticks for the arms and nose, and pieces of clothing or other accessories. Snowmen are commonly made by children during winter and are strongly associated with snow, play, seasonal celebrations, and stories or films involving winter. The word combines “snow,” referring to the material from which the figure is made, with “man,” indicating its human-like form. Because snowmen melt, they are especially associated with the temporary nature of winter play. In addition to the familiar outdoor figure, the term can also evoke snowmen in illustrations, decorations, or folklore, where they may be animated or portrayed as characters.
nounA model of a human figure made from snow, usually with a decorated body, head, and sometimes clothing or accessories.
- A figure made to resemble a person, constructed from snow.
"The children built a snowman in the garden after the snow settled."
"A snowman stood beside the frozen pond."
"The film includes a scene in which the children rescue a snowman from the melting sun."
The standard plural is “snowmen,” with “men” irregularly replacing “mans.”
"The snowmen in the front yard gleamed under the streetlights."
Snowmen are temporary sculptures whose simplest ingredients are packed snow, sticks, and a bit of imaginative decoration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of snowman
“Snowman” is a compound formed in the 19th century from “snow” and “man.” “Snow” descends from Old English snāw, while “man” comes from Old English man, meaning a human being. The compound reflects the traditional construction of a snow figure with a roughly human form and has become a familiar part of English winter vocabulary.
How snowman is actually used
Usually used for an upright, human-shaped figure made of snow. The term is common in children's activities, seasonal decoration, winter imagery, and folklore.