dust
duhst
Dust (noun) means Fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air. Example: “A thick layer of dust covered the old piano.”
noun
1
Fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air.
"A thick layer of dust covered the old piano."
"Sunlight caught the dust drifting through the air."
"The dust made me sneeze as soon as I opened the old book."
verb
1
To wipe or brush dust off a surface.
"She dusted the shelves before the guests arrived."
"I need to dust the living room before my parents visit."
"He dusted his jacket and walked back into the house."
2
To sprinkle a fine powder or substance over something.
"He dusted the cake with icing sugar."
"She dusted the baking tray with flour so the bread would not stick."
"Dust the tops of the biscuits lightly with cocoa before serving."
How to use dust
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTiny dry particles that collect on surfaces, or the act of removing them / sprinkling a powder.
Common mistake
The verb "dust" can mean opposite things depending on context — "dust the shelf" (remove dust) versus "dust the cake" (add powder). Context makes the meaning clear.
Common pairings
dust off
collect dust
a speck of dust
dust the furniture
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Word forms
- Plural
- dusts
- Third person singular
- dusts
- Past tense
- dusted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A thick layer of _____ covered the old piano.
Etymology
From Old English dūst, "dried earth reduced to powder," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to smoke" or "raise a haze" — the same root behind "dusk."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dust
See all rhymes for dust →Frequently asked questions
What does “dust” mean?
The word “dust” means fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air. In plain terms, tiny dry particles that collect on surfaces, or the act of removing them / sprinkling a powder.
How do you pronounce “dust”?
“Dust” is pronounced duhst (/dʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “dust” in a sentence?
Here is “dust” used in a sentence: “A thick layer of dust covered the old piano.”
What part of speech is “dust”?
Depending on how it is used, “dust” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dust” come from?
The word “dust” comes from Old English. From Old English dūst, "dried earth reduced to powder," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to smoke" or "raise a haze" — the same root behind "dusk.".
Is “dust” a common word?
“Dust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “dust” have?
“Dust” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fine, dry particles of dirt, skin, pollen, and other matter that settle on surfaces or float in the air.
What is household dust made of?
Household dust is a mixture of fine particles from many sources. It typically includes dead skin cells, fabric and carpet fibres, pollen, soil tracked in from outside, pet dander, tiny fragments of insects, and dust mites with their waste. The exact blend varies from home to home.
What is the difference between dust and dirt?
Dust is made of very fine, dry, lightweight particles that float in the air and settle in thin layers on surfaces. Dirt is a broader term for soil, grime, and filth, usually heavier and coarser. All dust is a kind of fine dirt, but not all dirt is dust.
Can dust be harmful to health?
It can be. Everyday household dust may trigger allergies and asthma, largely because of the dust mites, pollen, and pet dander within it. Some workplace dusts — such as silica, wood, or asbestos dust — are far more dangerous and can cause serious lung disease with long-term exposure.
Where does dust come from?
Dust comes from both inside and outside the home. Indoors, it sheds from skin, hair, fabrics, and paper. Outdoors, wind carries in soil, pollen, sand, soot, and even tiny particles from far away. These settle together, which is why dust keeps returning no matter how often you clean.
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