gust

¹

[ guhst ]

noun

1. a sudden, strong blast of wind.
2. a sudden rush or burst of water, fire, smoke, sound, etc.
3. an outburst of passionate feeling.

verb (used without object)

1. to blow or rush in gusts.

gust

²

[ guhst ]

noun

1. Archaic. flavor or taste.
2. Obsolete. enjoyment or gratification.

verb (used with object)

1. Scot. to taste; savor.

gust

/ ɡʌst /

noun

1. a sudden blast of wind
2. a sudden rush of smoke, sound, etc
3. an outburst of emotion

verb

1. to blow in gusts

   the wind was gusting to more than 50 mph

Other Words From

• gustless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Old Norse gustr “a gust,” akin to gjōsa, gusa “to gust”

Origin of gust²

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin gustus a tasting (of food), eating a little, akin to gustāre to taste

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

C16: from Old Norse gustr; related to gjōsa to gush ; see geyser

Synonym Study

See wind ¹.

Example Sentences

In Madera, officials recorded a gust of 49 mph, which is unusual for a Central Valley location, Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Forecasters said conditions were already improved in the area Sunday morning with the strongest wind gust at 10 mph and humidity near 50%.

From Los Angeles Times

Becky G shifts her feet in a one-two-and-three-step motion while an artificial gust powered by leaf blowers turns the scene into a hazy fog, all while she rotates to embrace the city that raised her with open arms.

From Los Angeles Times

But the overall vibe is best encapsulated by the spirit of Belle Boy, the museum’s late and beloved orange cat, who reportedly still haunts his favorite room in the Octagon House, and which some visitors claim to have felt brush past their legs in a cold gust of air.

From Los Angeles Times

A downburst occurs when air plummets downward from the base of the cloud - often in conjunction with a downpour of rain - producing a powerful wind gust that blows towards the ground.

From BBC

Related Words

• blast
• breeze
• burst
• explosion
• flurry
• gale
• squall
• storm