What does sirocco mean?
A sirocco is a hot, dry, dust-laden wind associated with the Sahara and the Mediterranean region. It blows northward from the desert across North Africa and can reach southern Europe, sometimes carrying substantial amounts of dust. The word is especially evocative of intense heat, hazy skies, and oppressive weather, making it useful when describing not only a particular wind but also the conditions it creates. Although traditionally associated with the Mediterranean, “sirocco” may also be used more broadly for a hot, dry, dusty wind. In literary and descriptive contexts, it conveys a distinctly arid, fierce quality that ordinary terms such as “wind” or “hot wind” do not capture. Its unusual history also reflects the long cultural exchange between North Africa and Europe through trade, travel, and conquest.
nounA hot, dry, dust-laden wind that blows from the Sahara toward North Africa and the Mediterranean, especially southern Europe. It is commonly associated with oppressive heat, haze, and blowing dust.
- A hot, dry, dust-laden wind originating in the Sahara and blowing across North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
"A strong sirocco swept across the coast, carrying dust into the town and sending everyone in search of shade."
"The sirocco had raised a thick cloud of dust over the harbor by noon."
"Travelers were advised to stay indoors while the sirocco continued across the island."
Used when referring to multiple winds or occurrences of the sirocco.
"Siroccos have shaped the island's vegetation, traditions, and seasonal rhythms."
The sirocco is the desert furnace in motion: a hot, dust-laden wind that can turn a Mediterranean morning hazy and oppressive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sirocco come from?
The English word entered through French from Italian scirocco, which ultimately comes from Arabic sharūq, meaning “east wind.” In English, its meaning became closely associated with the hot, dry wind that travels from the Sahara across the Mediterranean. The related spelling scirocco reflects an alternative form found in Italian and other European languages.
How sirocco is actually used
The term is chiefly used for the regional Mediterranean wind, though it can also refer more generally to a very hot, dry, dusty wind. Its pronunciation varies between British and American English.
Easily confused with sirocco
Scirocco is an alternative spelling of the same word rather than a different wind.