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

In 1975, the first rusty crayfish was discovered in the lower Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026

Yamal still looked slightly rusty, though, which was understandable given this was his first game of football since April 22. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Singer is likely to give up a bunch, and Senga probably will be a little rusty and allow a few. —David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026

Somewhere from the other side, a rusty Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino smile. —Matt Degen, AJC.com, 12 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