adjective
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faithful or reliable
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archaic trusting
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of trusty
Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at trust, -y 1
Explanation
Use trusty to describe something you can count on, especially if you've relied on it for a long time. You don't need a fancy bike—your trusty roller skates will get you to school on time! This informal adjective is perfect for talking about people and objects that are tried-and-true, even if they're a little worn out. If your friend shows off her brand new laptop, you could say, "I'm happy with my trusty old typewriter!" Before the 14th century, trusty meant "trusting." As a noun, it can also be used to mean "trustworthy person," particularly a prisoner who has shown good conduct.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You could tell it mattered at least a little when the U.S. scored three minutes into the game, Auston Trusty settling a corner and blasting it home for the lead.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
Trusty wagged a finger and sprinted to celebrate with the U.S. bench.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
“The new indictment confirms that our motion to dismiss was a good one — it’s just new charges and new theories trotted out in the hope that something sticks,” Trusty said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Trusty had gone just 10 minutes when Braga had his chance to level it; point blank and a goal to all the world.
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026
Since his mother's death he had spent his days so much alone, and those long days, spent in the old attic with no companion but Trusty, had depressed his spirit and undermined his nerves.
From The Little Princess of Tower Hill by Meade, L. T.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
