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.
Perseverance even captured extraordinary footage of a larger dust devil consuming a smaller one in January. Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 The winds on that ranch in California were so strong that towering dust devils were dancing between the disaffected cattle during my visit. Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 One previous clip saw a dust devil lifting a portable toilet up into the air. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 Look for two other obvious dust devils in the background. Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dust devil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dust%20devil. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dust devil

noun
: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

More from Merriam-Webster on dust devil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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