'snowy' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'snāw', where 'snāw' meant 'snow' and the suffix '-y' meant 'characterized by' or 'having the quality of'.

'snowy' was formed in Middle English by adding the adjectival suffix '-y' to 'snow' (from Old English 'snāw'), eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'snowy'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to snow' or 'covered with snow'; over time the basic meaning has remained largely the same, though it is also used figuratively to describe whiteness or wintry qualities.