What does harmattan mean?
Harmattan is a specialized noun for a dry, dust-laden wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa, particularly during the dry season. The wind carries fine mineral dust over great distances, sometimes producing a dense haze that sharply reduces visibility, coats surfaces, and causes discomfort in the eyes and respiratory tract. The word may denote the wind itself, the dust and haze it creates, or the harsh seasonal period associated with it. In English, harmattan is used chiefly in reporting, travel writing, literature, and historical accounts concerning West Africa. Its associations with aridity, visibility, and difficult living conditions make it more than a simple name for a wind. Recognising the term is especially useful when reading descriptions of West African weather, where conditions can change from clear skies to an enveloping dust-laden atmosphere within a short period.
nounA dry, dust-laden wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa, especially during the dry season. The term can also refer to the dusty haze or seasonal conditions produced by such winds.
- A dry, dusty trade wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa.
- The dense, dust-laden haze or seasonal conditions produced by this wind.
"The harmattan rolled in overnight, turning the city a pale ochre and silencing the rooftops."
"Forecasters warned that strong harmattan winds would reduce visibility across northern Ghana."
"The harmattan can lower visibility dramatically and irritate the eyes and respiratory tract."
The plural is uncommon. It is chiefly used when referring to distinct episodes or seasons of the wind.
"The novel describes harmattans lasting for weeks, each followed by a brief spell of clear air."
When the harmattan blows, the Sahara comes to town in the form of dust.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does harmattan come from?
The term is of West African origin and entered English through regional usage in the late eighteenth century. It is often linked to Tuareg, while proposed Arabic derivations are commonly associated with the idea of sweeping. The precise etymology remains disputed, so no secure cognate can be listed with confidence.
How harmattan is actually used
This is a specialized regional term, best known in English-language writing about West Africa. It is normally used as a mass noun for the wind, dust, or haze, although a plural is possible when writers refer to distinct episodes or seasons.