haboob

American  

[huh-boob] / həˈbub /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of haboob

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

Example Sentences

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 • Nov. 12, 2024

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 • Jul. 18, 2023

Furthermore, even the leading exporters of crude can see the haboob brewing for their product.

From Time • Jan. 25, 2016

People farm corn — the one crop left unravaged by blight — watch baseball games in half-empty stands, and flee towering haboob dust storms announced by air raid sirens.

From The Verge • Oct. 27, 2014

A barrage of dust set off fire alarms in the terminal but crews quickly cleared the mess from the storm, known as a "haboob," she said.

From Reuters • Jul. 6, 2011