dust
Dust refers to fine powder made of tiny pieces of earth, skin cells, or waste that collects on surfaces. It is usually found on furniture or floors when a room has not been cleaned for a while.
Examples
3 of 5There is a lot of dust on the top of the bookshelf.
There is a lot of dust on the top of the bookshelf.
The museum maintains strict controls to prevent the accumulation of dust on ancient artifacts.
The museum maintains strict controls to prevent the accumulation of dust on ancient artifacts.
Ugh, look at all this dust under the bed!
Ugh, look at all this dust under the bed!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'D' in dust as 'Dry'—it is dry dirt that floats in the air.
Quick Quiz
The old piano was covered in a thick layer of ____ because no one had played it in years.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dust
Examples
There is a lot of dust on the top of the bookshelf.
everydayThere is a lot of dust on the top of the bookshelf.
The museum maintains strict controls to prevent the accumulation of dust on ancient artifacts.
formalThe museum maintains strict controls to prevent the accumulation of dust on ancient artifacts.
Ugh, look at all this dust under the bed!
informalUgh, look at all this dust under the bed!
The chemical analysis of domestic dust reveals various environmental pollutants.
academicThe chemical analysis of domestic dust reveals various environmental pollutants.
Our server room must remain free of dust to ensure the hardware operates correctly.
businessOur server room must remain free of dust to ensure the hardware operates correctly.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bite the dust
to fail or to die
leave someone in the dust
to be much better or faster than someone else
gather dust
to stay in the same place and not be used
Often Confused With
Dirt is general filth or soil, while dust is specifically fine, dry powder.
Ash is the powder left after a fire, whereas dust is common household particles.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'dust' is uncountable, so we say 'some dust' or 'much dust' rather than 'a dust'. Interestingly, the verb 'to dust' can mean either to remove dust or to sprinkle a fine powder (like sugar) onto something.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'dust' as a countable noun (e.g., 'two dusts'). Always treat it as a mass noun.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'D' in dust as 'Dry'—it is dry dirt that floats in the air.
Word Origin
From Old English 'dūst', originating from a Germanic root meaning vapor or smoke.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, the phrase 'dust to dust' is often associated with funerals and the cycle of life.
Quick Quiz
The old piano was covered in a thick layer of ____ because no one had played it in years.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dust
Related Grammar Rules
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More Home words
dining room
A1A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.
garage
A1A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.
basement
A1A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.
balcony
A1A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.
porch
A1A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.
drawer
A1A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.
fridge
A1A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.
stove
A1A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.
microwave
A1A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.
washing machine
A1A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.
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