dust devil

noun

: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

Examples of dust devil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Electrical discharges generated by the fast-moving dust devils lasted just a few seconds, while those spawned by dust storms lingered as long as 30 minutes. Marcia Dunn The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025 The Perseverance readings were taken in the Jezero Crater, but other regions on Mars may get 20 times more dust devils. Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 26 Nov. 2025 Fifty-five such events were picked up by the microphone over two Martian years, the researchers say, and the sparks were usually associated with dust devils and the fronts of dust storms. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025 The wind picked up; a dust devil spun. Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dust devil

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dust devil was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dust devil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dust%20devil. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

dust devil

noun
: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

More from Merriam-Webster on dust devil

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