rustier; rustiest
1
: affected by or as if by rust
especially : stiff with or as if with rust
2
: inept and slow through lack of practice or old age
3
a
: of the color rust
b
: dulled in color or appearance by age and use
rusty old boots
4
5
rustily adverb
rustiness noun

rusty

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rus·​ty ˈrə-stē How to pronounce rusty (audio)
rustier; rustiest
chiefly dialectal

Examples of rusty in a Sentence

Adjective (1) rusty laws still on the books because no one bothered to repeal them in a rusty voice the old man ordered us off his land
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Although there is concern in some circles about Mahomes and the Chiefs being rusty when the AFC Divisional Round begins, the latest column from The Star’s Sam McDowell should put your mind at rest. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2025 This bathes our natural satellite in a rusty glow, giving this celestial event its more accurate nickname: a blood moon. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024 Riley Moss likely will be a little rusty today following three-week absence. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 28 Dec. 2024 This has triggered a new round of ridicule about rusty Cybertrucks with some posts going so far to show an obviously fake photo of a Cybertruck covered in rust (which is actually a wrap). Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rusty 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

alteration of restive

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rusty was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rusty

Cite this Entry

“Rusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rusty. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

rusty

adjective
ˈrəs-tē
rustier; rustiest
1
: affected by or as if by rust
2
: less skilled and slow through lack of practice or old age
3
: of the color rust
rustily
-tə-lē
adverb
rustiness
-tē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rusty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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