dusty
0 antonyms and opposites of dusty, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Covered with or full of dust.
How to use dusty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dūstiġ, formed from "dust" plus "-y" — describing something covered in or resembling dust.
Full origin of dusty →Frequently asked questions
What does “dusty” mean?
The word “dusty” means covered with or full of dust. In plain terms, covered in dust, or (figuratively) old and neglected.
How do you pronounce “dusty”?
“Dusty” is pronounced DUHS-tee (/ˈdʌsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “dusty” in a sentence?
Here is “dusty” used in a sentence: “The attic was full of dusty old boxes.”
What part of speech is “dusty”?
“Dusty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “dusty” come from?
The word “dusty” comes from Old English. From Old English dūstiġ, formed from "dust" plus "-y" — describing something covered in or resembling dust.
Is “dusty” a common word?
“Dusty” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dusty” have?
“Dusty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with or full of dust.
What's the difference between dusty and dirty?
Dusty specifically refers to a fine layer of dust covering a surface, while dirty is a broader term covering any kind of grime, stains, or mess. Something can be dirty without being dusty, such as being muddy, and dusty things aren't necessarily unclean in other ways.
Why do people call an idea or attitude "dusty"?
Used figuratively, dusty describes something outdated or old-fashioned, especially in a stuffy way, as if it has sat untouched for years. It's often applied to rules, institutions, or attitudes that feel out of step with modern thinking.
Is "dusty" used more often literally or figuratively?
Dusty is used both ways, but the literal sense, covered with dust, is the more common everyday use, describing things like old books, attics, or roads. The figurative sense of being old-fashioned appears mainly in written or critical contexts, such as describing dusty old traditions.