gust

¹

[guhst]

noun

1. a sudden, strong blast of wind.

2. a sudden rush or burst of water, fire, smoke, sound, etc.

3. an outburst of passionate feeling.

verb (used without object)

1. to blow or rush in gusts.

gust

²

[guhst]

noun

1. Archaic.,  flavor or taste.

2. Obsolete.,  enjoyment or gratification.

verb (used with object)

1. Scot.,  to taste; savor.

gust

/ ɡʌst /

noun

1. a sudden blast of wind

2. a sudden rush of smoke, sound, etc

3. an outburst of emotion

verb

1. to blow in gusts

   the wind was gusting to more than 50 mph

Other Word Forms

• gustless adjective
• gustable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Old Norse gustr “a gust,” akin to gjōsa, gusa “to gust”

Origin of gust²

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin gustus a tasting (of food), eating a little, akin to gustāre to taste

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

C16: from Old Norse gustr; related to gjōsa to _gush ; see _geyser

Synonym Study

See wind ¹.

Example Sentences

Gusts of 60-70mph are forecast with occasional gusts of up to 85mph also possible, so some damage is still likely throughout Saturday.

From BBC

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain, as gusts may bring a risk of injuries from flying debris.

From BBC

An amber warning for wind is in place for five hours on Friday across western counties, with gusts of 60-70mph expected inland and up to 80mph along exposed coasts.

From BBC

A yellow warning for wind gusting to up to 60mph - and up to 70mph in exposed areas - has been issued for all of Scotland from 15:00 on Friday to midnight on Saturday.

From BBC

While the fire initially burned eastward, firefighters soon reported that it was spreading “everywhere all at once” with wind gusts between 70-90 MPH.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast 
• breeze 
• burst 
• explosion 
• flurry 
• gale 
• squall 
• storm