willy willy

Definition

A whirlwind, cyclone or tornado; a dust devil.

Etymology

From Yindjibarndi wili wili (or a related language of northwest Australia).

Example Sentences

• "The willy-willy roared and crackled as it approached; sucked up leaves, branches, plastic, paper and scraps of metal sheet, spiralling them into the sky and then sweeping across the camp-ground and on towards the road."
• "There were sheets of roofing iron torn off by the willy-willy of 1994, tanks with holes in them, a few other cars and tractors, and bits of machinery."
• "2000, Blake Education staff, Terrific Topics: Middle Primary: Book 1, Blake Education, Australia, page 92, Hurricanes, cyclones, willy-willies and typhoons are all storms with incredibly strong and powerful winds."