dustier; dustiest
Synonyms of dustynext
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 adverb
dustiness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lawsuit also says the dusty conditions inside and outside the makeshift tents cause respiratory problems for detainees. Laura Romero, ABC News, 1 June 2026 What to Pack Prepare for heat and dry, dusty conditions. Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 1 June 2026 If that bottle hiding in the back of your bar cart is dusty and doesn't taste the same, buy a fresh one. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 The shoes also come in a range of standout colorways, including an electric orange-and-blue combo and an off-white-and-dusty-gray pair. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dusty

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dusty was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dusty. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

dusty

adjective
dustier; dustiest
1
: filled or covered with dust
2
: resembling dust
dusty soil
dustily adverb
dustiness noun

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