rustier; rustiest
1
: affected by or as if by rust
especially : stiff with or as if with rust
2
: inept and slow through lack of practice or old age
3
a
: of the color rust
b
: dulled in color or appearance by age and use
rusty old boots
4
5
rustily adverb
rustiness noun

rusty

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rus·​ty ˈrə-stē How to pronounce rusty (audio)
rustier; rustiest
chiefly dialectal

Examples of rusty in a Sentence

Adjective (1) rusty laws still on the books because no one bothered to repeal them in a rusty voice the old man ordered us off his land
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The largest reactor, Big Bertha, was a rusty hunk of metal about three feet across. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 Because iron is one of the main ingredients, the formula is a red, rusty color that can stain sidewalks or walkways. Kate Puhala, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2024 Though her hooded Sophie Couture gown covered the hair, a wet look was visible with a rusty red hair color, courtesy of myDentity by Guy Tang. Meg Hemphill, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Sep. 2024 Kittle’s reception skills are essential to take the pressure of the running game (see: Mason’s encore) and allow Brandon Aiyuk to find his groove after a rusty opener. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rusty 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rusty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

alteration of restive

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rusty was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rusty

Cite this Entry

“Rusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rusty. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rusty

adjective
ˈrəs-tē
rustier; rustiest
1
: affected by or as if by rust
2
: less skilled and slow through lack of practice or old age
3
: of the color rust
rustily
-tə-lē
adverb
rustiness
-tē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rusty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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