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Avalanche Meaning in English

word

/ˈævəˌɫæntʃ/
A-vuh-lanch
/ˈævəlˌɑːnʃ/
A-vuh-lahnsh

Definition

An avalanche is a large amount of snow, ice, and rocks that suddenly falls down a mountain, often with great force. Sometimes it can also describe a sudden and overwhelming amount of things, like messages or problems.

Usage & Nuances

'Avalanche' is formal and mostly used for natural disasters, but can be used metaphorically ("an avalanche of emails"). Common in news or scientific contexts. Do not confuse with 'landslide' (usually dirt or rocks, not snow).

Example Sentences

The villagers were afraid of an avalanche after the heavy snowfall.

basic

An avalanche can destroy houses on the mountain slope.

basic

A sudden loud noise started the avalanche.

basic

After the news broke, there was an avalanche of phone calls to the office.

natural

We got buried under an avalanche of homework this week.

natural

Luckily, no one was hurt when the avalanche hit the ski resort.

natural