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

China’s central bank has started taking steps to check the yuan’s recent advance, dusting off an old playbook that would reduce the cost of betting against the currency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

First, the Coens submerge us headfirst into the cold netherworld of a Minnesota winter, where criminals hope that a dusting of fresh, frosty powder will cover their tracks.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

The case arose after Sacramento police spotted a dusting of loose “crumbs” in the back of a car they had pulled over for a rolling stop.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

To make them, cafes melt marshmallows to create a chewy outer layer mixed with chocolate, then fill individual portions with pistachio cream and kadaif before dusting the top with cocoa powder.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

While dusting and wiping and fluffing and sneezing, Ophie wondered what it would be like to have people spend weeks getting a room ready for her.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland