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

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

From Project Gutenberg

He had driven away, and, standing on the moon-whitened road, she had watched the white dust whirl about the wheels.

From Project Gutenberg

The girl was caught away to the thinnest of wisps in a dust-whirl.

From Project Gutenberg