sandstorm

[ sand-stawrm ]

/ ˈsændˌstɔrm /

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See synonyms for sandstorm on Thesaurus.com

noun Meteorology.

an occurrence of strong winds, especially in a desert, that pick up and carry sand, as from dunes, and typically move along in a series of leaps, effecting the process of saltation: Our plan to film on location in Dubai was thwarted by a week of unusually persistent sandstorms.

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Compare black blizzard, dust storm.

Origin of sandstorm

First recorded in 1765–75; sand + storm

Words nearby sandstorm

sandsoap, sand-sprayed, Sand Springs, sand stargazer, sandstone, sandstorm, sand-struck, sand table, sand tiger, sand trap, Sandusky

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sandstorm in a sentence

Players systematically excavate each space on the board to find parts of a flying machine to win, while contending with limited resources and obstacles like sandstorms that may block their path and slow the dig.
Gifts under $50: Quick and cheap and fun stuff to get your friends and family|Mike Epstein|November 19, 2021|Popular-Science
The dust was everywhere, like a sudden sandstorm, burning the Nirs’ eyes and throats.
One family’s harrowing escape from the collapsing condo building: ‘Run, fast!’|Brittany Shammas|July 1, 2021|Washington Post
Initial reports from the SCA stated that Ever Given lost control amid strong winds and sandstorms.
How the Giant Boat Blocking the Suez Canal Was Freed: Dredgers, Tugboats, and a Full Moon|Joseph Hincks|March 29, 2021|Time
But here we have the original home that used "Sandstorm" for clubby Christmas light display in 2006.
World's Most Outrageous Christmas-Light Displays|The Daily Beast Video|December 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST

A massive sandstorm swept into Tehran Monday morning, blanketing the streets in a dark and dreamy haze.
Iran Goes on Strike|Reza Aslan|July 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
One night in May there was a sandstorm, which as usual played strange tricks with Annesley's nerves.
The Second Latchkey|Charles Norris Williamson and Alice Muriel Williamson
Heat and sandstorm, failure and famine, toil unutterable, these had been Oscar Ames' portion.
Still Jim|Honor Willsie Morrow
We forced our way along, pushing our machines, through a blinding sandstorm, till at last we had to take to the railway track.
The Harmsworth Magazine, Vol. 1, 1898-1899, No. 6|Various
A heavy sandstorm came on, and our Camel Corps were unable to follow up the beaten and dispirited enemy.
The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 4 (of 10)|James Edward Parrott
He was not certain if it would be inhabited at the Sandstorm season, but there was a good chance of stored food and water.
Shock Treatment|Stanley Mullen

British Dictionary definitions for sandstorm

sandstorm

/ (ˈsændˌstɔːm) /

noun

a strong wind that whips up clouds of sand, esp in a desert

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for sandstorm

sandstorm

[ sănd′stôrm′ ]

A strong wind that carries clouds of sand and dust through the air. Most of the particles in a sandstorm are between 0.08 and 1 mm (0.0032 and 0.04 inches) in size. Sandstorms usually are limited to within 3 m (10 ft) of the ground, rarely getting more than 15 m (49 ft) high. They develop in desert areas where loose sand can be stirred up by wind. Most sandstorms occur during the day when the Earth's surface heats up and dissipate at night as it cools.

sandstorm

Origin of sandstorm

Words nearby sandstorm

Words related to sandstorm

How to use sandstorm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sandstorm

Scientific definitions for sandstorm