Definition
A severe environmental and economic crisis in the American Great Plains during the 1930s, caused by prolonged drought combined with poor agricultural practices that left topsoil exposed to wind erosion. Massive dust storms devastated farming communities and forced widespread migration.
Example Usage
During the Dust Bowl, entire families abandoned their farms in Oklahoma and Texas, heading west to California.
Origin
Term coined by journalists in the 1930s to describe the affected region where dust storms created a visible 'bowl' of drifting soil.
Fun Fact
A single dust storm on April 14, 1935—called 'Black Sunday'—blocked out the sun across the entire eastern United States.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Dust Bowl” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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