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.
Because each channel is captured a few seconds apart, anything moving across Mars, such as clouds or dust devils, leaves a faint but measurable shift between frames. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Sometimes, dust devils can be helpful. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 Bianca’s career took her from recreating dust devils (a kind of whirlwinds) on Mars for NASA, to leading cross-functional teams in Berlin and London. Lisa Falco, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 In January, Perseverance also witnessed a relatively uncommon sight of two dust devils swirling and spinning near one another. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dust devil

noun
: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

More from Merriam-Webster on dust devil

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