haboob

[ huh-boob ]

noun

1. a thick dust storm or sandstorm that blows in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia or on the plains of India.

Word History and Origins

Origin of haboob¹

First recorded in 1895–1900, haboob is from the Arabic word habūb a strong wind

Example Sentences

The so-called ‘haboob’ swept through the valley on Monday afternoon from about 1:30 to 4 p.m., said Emily Wilson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service at Hanford.

From Los Angeles Times

There is also good news for Central Valley residents: The rain that followed the haboob soaked the valley floor, so forecasters believe another dust storm is unlikely.

From Los Angeles Times

The weather service staff were able to see the haboob with their own eyes, a “distinct wall of dust” that “looked just like a classic Arizona dust storm,” according to Wilson.

From Los Angeles Times

A dust wall pushed by thunderstorms, also called a haboob, blew over the Phoenix area on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

From BBC

Wang got “milquetoast,” and Pappas got “haboob.”

From Washington Post