dusting

[duhs-ting]

noun

1. a light application.

   a dusting of powder.

2. a beating; defeat.

   He gave his opponent a good dusting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dusting¹

First recorded in 1615–25; dust + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In front of me, Autumn is dusting herself off.

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A dusting of snowflakes still clung to the envelope, like a sprinkling of white sugar on a cupcake.

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“I found mine dusting, too. ‘Ahwoo-Ahwoo!’” she proudly read off the front.

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I also worked in the antiques shop, cleaning and dusting things like the sets of beautiful Russian glasses that sat on the shelf.

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After an hour of gentle simmering, I finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar, a stream of heavy cream and a dusting of parmesan, the final sauce glossy, fragrant, rich and unexpectedly bright.

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