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.
The clear-cutting of swaths of trees led to sporadic dust storms while, at night, the data center’s bright white lights can be seen from their homes and obscure the stars, according to the complaint. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Instead, glowing art moves through dust storms, ships show up on the horizon, and sculptures as large as small buildings fill the empty playa. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Burning Man participants are already accustomed to dust storms and poor visibility on the playa. — James Ward, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Fully unrolled, the canvas was the size of the cargo container, looking like a dust storm descending over a desert town. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for dust storm

See All Rhymes for dust storm

Browse Nearby Words

dust shot
dust storm
dustuck
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Cite this Entry

“Dust storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dust%20storm. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dust storm

noun
: a violent wind carrying dust across a dry region

More from Merriam-Webster on dust storm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dust storm

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