Habub
/həˈbuːb/noun
A violent dust storm, especially one occurring in Sudan or other arid regions.
Did you know?The word entered English from descriptions of Sudanese storms, while its Arabic root is also connected with words for love and belovedness—an eerie contrast between affection and devastation.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
habba
“To blow or arise suddenly, especially of wind.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
habūb
“A strong wind or violent dust storm.”
19th Century
Sudanese Arabic
habūb
“A powerful dust storm, particularly one advancing as a dense wall across the landscape.”
19th Century
English
habub
“A Sudanese dust storm; an English rendering of Arabic habūb.”
Modern English
English
habub
“A severe dust storm, also commonly spelled haboob.”