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.
The new visuals show a dust devil consuming a smaller one on the rim of the red planet’s Jezero Crater. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 Holt had just had a close encounter with a dust devil. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 That storm makes Perseverance’s Mars dust devils look pretty tame by comparison. Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Researchers matched that data with observations from orbit and found dust devils were more active during the Martian summer. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 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 18 Apr. 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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