dust whirl

[ duhst hwurl, wurl ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a whirlwind that forms over a dry and dusty area, picking up dust, sand, leaves, and debris: a dust whirl can be as minor as a very small eddy that circulates dried leaves by the side of the road or as vigorous as a dust devil, and occasionally can be the first visible sign of an imminent tornado:

   Mama taught us to respect the omens of ill weather and never to trust the innocence of a little dust whirl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dust whirl¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

If that funnel cloud makes contact with the ground or has a debris cloud or dust whirl beneath it, then it's classified as a tornado, which can create damage, according to NOAA.

From Fox News

He could see the spray fly high and white, and the dust whirl down the glaring road that led to the Spanish city, and once more he felt his blood stir in harmony with the throb of restless life in the frothing sea.

From Project Gutenberg

They may be accompanied by rain, but usually are 'wispy', or only visible as a debris cloud or dust whirl at or near the ground.

From Scientific American

As I stepped out of the Grand Central station into Forty-second Street my ears were assaulted by the unaccustomed din, my nose by the pungent odour of city streets, my eyes smarted in a dust whirl.

From Project Gutenberg

He now redoubled his antics, making the dust whirl in clouds about him, and crying on the spirits to aid him.

From Project Gutenberg