rusty

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrə-stē 

rustier; rustiest

1

: affected by or as if by rust

especially : stiff with or as if with rust

2

: not as good or quick as usual or as in the past because of lack of practice or use

3

a

: of the color rust

b

: dulled in color or appearance by age and use

rusty old boots

4

: outmoded

rusty jokes

5

: hoarse, grating

rustily

ˈrə-stə-lē 

adverb

rustiness

ˈrə-stē-nəs 

noun

rusty

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rus·​ty ˈrə-stē 

rustier; rustiest

chiefly dialectal

: ill-natured, surly

Synonyms of rusty

Adjective (1)

• archaic
• obsolete
• antiquated
• medieval
• old

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

At first glance, the rusty sandstone rock formations of Arches National Park seem impossible. —Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Hillsides are colored a rusty red from desperate retardant drops. —Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Slather the rusty spots and cover with plastic wrap, then allow the tools to sit for up to 24 hours. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

Plus, even when cleaned, the rough, rusty surface promotes more clinging clippings and the problem continues. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

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

Rhymes for rusty

• crusty
• dusty
• gusty
• lusty
• musty
• trusty

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