Definition

A weather event where strong winds lift and carry sand and dust, often occurring in desert areas.

Example

The sandstorm made it difficult to see anything outside.

Conversation

Did you hear about the sandstorm that hit the desert last night?

No, I missed that! Was it really bad?

Yeah, it covered everything in a thick layer of sand.

Wow, I can only imagine how chaotic that must have been!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sandstorm → The word is formed from "sand" (from Old English *sand*, meaning loose granular material) and "storm" (from Old English *storm*, meaning a violent disturbance of the atmosphere). A sandstorm refers to a violent disturbance in the atmosphere that carries sand, typically in arid regions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a violent disturbance ('storm') that carries loose granular material ('sand') through the air — that's what a sandstorm is.

Visually Confused Words