dusty

1 of 2

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

dustiness

2 of 2

noun

dust·​i·​ness -tēnə̇s 

-tin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being dusty

Synonyms of dusty

Adjective

• fine
• powdery

Examples of dusty in a Sentence

Adjective

He pulled dusty candlesticks from the shelf.

His new tie is a dusty blue.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If the bedroom of your dreams is oozing with personality, CB2’s Russell upholstered storage bed in dusty lilac velvet is a worthy addition. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Lemaitre and her colleague, museum curator Caroll Yasky, bring me to see the latter, housed in a dusty, windowless subterranean room. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

From dusty heating vents to cluttered coat closets, these are the spots professional cleaners say deserve your attention now. — Brigitt Earley, Martha Stewart, 4 Nov. 2026

The video showed many of the dogs standing together on a dusty site, near dry brush, barking and wagging their tails. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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