harmattan

Meanings

1. 1nounsingular

   A dry, dusty wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa, mostly from late autumn to early spring.

   Grammar: Usually used with the: the harmattan arrives in December.

   Patterns

   • the harmattan blows

   The harmattan covered the streets of Lagos in fine dust.

   Flights were delayed when the harmattan reduced visibility.

   Lips crack easily when the harmattan blows.

2. 2nounsingular

   The dry, hazy season in which this wind is common.

   Grammar: Often used with season: the harmattan season.

   Patterns

   • during the harmattan

   During the harmattan, mornings are cool and dry.

   Farmers rarely plant during the harmattan.

   Many families wear sweaters in the harmattan.

Common combinations

harmattan season

The harmattan season brings cool, dry nights.

harmattan haze

A harmattan haze hid the hills.

harmattan winds

Harmattan winds carry dust for hundreds of miles.

harmattan dust

Harmattan dust coated the cars.

the harmattan blows

When the harmattan blows, humidity drops.

Synonyms and how they differ

Saharan wind

Saharan wind is a descriptive phrase, while harmattan is the specific name.

sirocco

Sirocco is a hot wind from the Sahara that reaches southern Europe, usually humid.

khamsin

Khamsin is a hot, dry wind in Egypt in spring.

simoom

Simoom is a violent, hot desert wind.

Word family

harmattan haze noun

the dusty mist that the wind produces

harmattan season noun

the dry months when the wind blows

harmattan dust noun

the fine dust carried by the wind

Commonly confused: harmattan or sirocco?

Practice

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