dust storm

noun

1
: a dust-laden whirlwind that moves across an arid region and is usually associated with hot dry air and marked by high electrical tension
2
: strong winds bearing clouds of dust

Examples of dust storm 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.
Listen to this article A massive dust storm was racing toward Chicago and the rest of northern Illinois, putting motorists and people with respiratory illnesses at risk, weather officials warned Friday evening. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 The winds toppled trees, disrupted travel and sports, and caused dust storms across the region. John Yoon, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Notably, a 2018 dust storm permanently shut down NASA’s Opportunity rover after covering its solar panels with grit. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 Opportunity succumbed to a planet-wide dust storm that kicked up in 2018. Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dust storm

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dust storm was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Dust storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dust%20storm. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dust storm

noun
: a violent wind carrying dust across a dry region

More from Merriam-Webster on dust storm

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