dusting

American  

[duhs-ting] / ˈdʌs tɪŋ /

noun

1. a light application.

   a dusting of powder.

2. a beating; defeat.

   He gave his opponent a good dusting.

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Etymology

Origin of dusting

First recorded in 1615–25; dust + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Rainfall totals of half an inch to 1.5 inches are expected in the mountain and foothill regions, and there is a chance of a dusting of snow in areas above 6,000 feet elevation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The only distinguishing features were a few hurried strips of grilled chicken and a light dusting of Tony Chachere’s — not stirred into the sauce, mind you, but sprinkled on top, like an afterthought.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Snow is expected to blanket parts of Southern California through Wednesday, with up to 3 feet predicted at the highest peaks and a dusting possible across the Interstate 5 corridor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Depending on your mood, you might continue with Royal Red shrimp served raw with dots of fermented Scotch bonnet pepper and a dusting of spiced red hibiscus flower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

He had removed the papers from the center table and was bent over dusting it when Master’s bedroom door opened.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie