dusty

American  

[duhs-tee] / ˈdʌs ti /

adjective

dustier, dustiest

1. filled, covered, or clouded with or as with dust.

2. of the nature of dust; powdery.

3. of the color of dust; having a grayish cast.

---

dusty British  

/ ˈdʌstɪ /

adjective

1. covered with or involving dust

2. like dust in appearance or colour

3. (of a colour) tinged with grey; pale

   dusty pink

4. an unhelpful or bad-tempered reply

5. informal not too bad; fairly well: often in response to the greeting how are you?

---

Other Word Forms

• dustily adverb
• dustiness noun
• undusty adjective

Etymology

Origin of dusty

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; dust, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Fomalhaut is larger than the sun and surrounded by an extensive and complex set of dusty debris belts.

From Science Daily

Teacher Fatima al-Faqi, 48, said there was "a world of difference" between the reopened museum and the dark, dusty facility she visited 30 years ago on a school trip.

From Barron's

Private-equity firms made progress clearing their shelves of dusty investments this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

He usually wears a light blue shirt, jeans, and dusty boots.

From Barron's

While old spices aren’t likely to harm you, a jar of dusty cinnamon or five-year-old coriander isn’t doing your food any favors.

From Salon

Related Words

• chalky
• dirty
• sandy