adj

musty

MUHS-tee

Musty (adj) means having a stale, damp smell, often from mould or lack of fresh air. Example: “The old library smelled musty after being closed all summer.”

adj

Having a stale, damp smell, often from mould or lack of fresh air.

"The old library smelled musty after being closed all summer."

Outdated or old-fashioned in a stale way, said of ideas or attitudes.

"He dismissed the rule as a musty tradition no one really believed in anymore."

How to use musty

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSmelling stale and damp, or (of ideas) outdated and stale.

Common pairings

musty smell musty old books musty attic

Word forms

mustier comparative, more musty comparative, mustied past tense, musty plural, mustied plural, musties singular, musty singular, mustied singular, mustiest singular, mustiedst singular, mustieth singular, mustiest superlative, most musty superlative

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The old library smelled _____ after being closed all summer.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, likely linked to Old French forms meaning "damp" or "moist," blended over time with the word "must" (unfermented grape juice).

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for musty

rusty busty dusty lusty crusty trusty

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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 In plain terms, smelling stale and damp, or (of ideas) outdated and stale.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.