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dust

When used as a noun, "dust" is usually an uncountable noun. This means you do not say "dusts" when referring to the particles in your house; instead, you use phrases like "a layer of dust" or "some dust." Be careful with the verb meanings! "Dusting the table" can mean two opposite things: removing the dirt from it OR sprinkling something (like flour) onto it. You must look at the context to know which one is meant.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Victoria is conducting a surprise site visit to one of David's neglected warehouses.
Victoria

The inventory logs are a joke. This entire rack is covered in dust.

Victoria
David
David

My bad. I'll have the team touch base and get it sorted ASAP.

💡
Victoria uses 'dust' to highlight David's failure in facility management. David responds with corporate jargon ('touch base') to deflect his nervousness, maintaining his persona as a middle manager trying to sound professional while being reprimanded.

Meanings

noun

Fine particles of matter consisting of dirt, skin cells, or disintegrated minerals.

"The sunlight revealed dust dancing in the air."

verb (transitive)

To remove dust from the surface of something.

"She spent the morning dusting the bookshelves."

verb (transitive)

To sprinkle a fine powder over something.

"Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving."

verb (intransitive)

To become covered in dust or to break down into dust.

"The old ruins slowly dusted away over centuries of erosion."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error