dusting

American  

[duhs-ting] / ˈdʌs tɪŋ /

noun

1. a light application.

   a dusting of powder.

2. a beating; defeat.

   He gave his opponent a good dusting.

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Etymology

Origin of dusting

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

Example Sentences

Now 31, she’s dusting off the strategy to combat rising prices for drinks at concerts and raves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Platner is dusting Mills by lopsided margins in polling averages.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Then warmth: a drop of vanilla, a whisper of cinnamon, a dusting of cardamom or ginger.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Snow is expected to blanket parts of Southern California through Wednesday, with up to 3 feet predicted at the highest peaks and a dusting possible across the Interstate 5 corridor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Most of the barrio’s women had put in some time dusting, washing the floors and walls, sprinkling agua florida all over, positioning wreaths, bathing Don Berto and laying him out in his box.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago