dusty

adjective

ˈdə-stē 

dustier; dustiest

1

: covered or abounding with dust

2

: consisting of dust : powdery

3

: resembling dust

4

: lacking vitality : dry

dusty scholarship

5

British : unsatisfactory

—used especially in the phrases dusty answer and not so dusty

dustily

ˈdə-stə-lē 

adverb

dustiness

ˈdə-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of dusty

• fine
• powdery

Examples of dusty in a Sentence

He pulled dusty candlesticks from the shelf.

His new tie is a dusty blue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoodies from Lady White Company share space with dusty Auralee corduroys and rakish suits from the British brand Sono. — New York Times, 31 July 2026

That spot — which boasted a dusty jackalope head on the wall — stood in the shadow of the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a 1922 marvel that lifts on command to let ships pass. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

The trend intelligence platform said mentions of dusty rose, ecru and gray denim are climbing among key influencers. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

Rich, vibrant shades like metallic copper, dusty turquoise, and muted rose pink are perfect for the transition from summer to fall. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dusty

• dusty miller

Rhymes for dusty

• crusty
• gusty
• lusty
• musty
• rusty
• trusty

Kids Definition

dusty

adjective

ˈdəs-tē 

dustier; dustiest

1

: filled or covered with dust

2

: resembling dust

dusty soil

dustily

-tə-lē 

adverb

dustiness

-tē-nəs 

noun