NYT Dictionary
HARMATTAN
/ˌhɑɹməˈtæn/Nounhar-mat-TANhar-mat-tan · 3 syllablesAdvanced/Professional
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019
Meaning
A dry and dusty wind which blows from the Sahara over the Atlantic coast of West Africa in December, January and February, being a hot wind in some areas and a cold wind in others.
Etymology
Origin: Spanish
From Twi Akan haramata or a related word (whence also Spanish harmatán). The ultimate origin is supposed by some to be an Arabic word, but which one is uncertain; حَرَام (ḥarām, “accursed thing”) has been suggested.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2019.