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

Even Tom Brady, who will be 50 by then, is interested in dusting off his cleats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

First, the Coens submerge us headfirst into the cold netherworld of a Minnesota winter, where criminals hope that a dusting of fresh, frosty powder will cover their tracks.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

The case arose after Sacramento police spotted a dusting of loose “crumbs” in the back of a car they had pulled over for a rolling stop.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

To make them, cafes melt marshmallows to create a chewy outer layer mixed with chocolate, then fill individual portions with pistachio cream and kadaif before dusting the top with cocoa powder.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

I go back to dusting and arranging the shoe polish on the shelf.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson