musty
4 synonyms and 3 antonyms for musty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a stale, damp smell, often from mould or lack of fresh air.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use musty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
musty smell
musty old books
musty attic
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely linked to Old French forms meaning "damp" or "moist," blended over time with the word "must" (unfermented grape juice).
Full origin of musty →Frequently asked questions
What does “musty” mean?
The word “musty” means having a stale, damp smell, often from mould or lack of fresh air. In plain terms, smelling stale and damp, or (of ideas) outdated and stale.
How do you pronounce “musty”?
“Musty” is pronounced MUHS-tee (/ˈmʌsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “musty” in a sentence?
Here is “musty” used in a sentence: “The old library smelled musty after being closed all summer.”
What part of speech is “musty”?
“Musty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “musty” come from?
The word “musty” comes from Old French. Origin uncertain, likely linked to Old French forms meaning "damp" or "moist," blended over time with the word "must" (unfermented grape juice).
How many meanings does “musty” have?
“Musty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a stale, damp smell, often from mould or lack of fresh air.
