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

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

Northwestern’s lakeside stadium might qualify Evanston, Ill., as the Windy City given the strong gusts that have changed the trajectory of passes.

From Los Angeles Times

It crossed the mainland with sustained winds of 144km/h and higher gusts.

From BBC

In Baku last weekend, conditions were very tricky, with a powerful gusting wind and a sprinkling of rain.

From BBC

Dozens of flood alerts are in place across England and Wales and there are warnings that wind gusts could reach up to 75mph as the country is hit with stormy conditions over the coming days.

From BBC

Related Words

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