Gust - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT gust /gəst/ /gəst/ IPA guide

Other forms: gusts; gusting; gusted

A gust is a strong, short burst of air. If you're walking around on a brisk, cold day, hold on to your papers tightly — a gust of wind could sweep in and send your notes flying into the air.

You've probably seen the famous image of Marilyn Monroe standing on a sidewalk with her white dress blowing in the breeze from a subway grate — that might be the most famous gust of air in popular culture. Gust comes from the Old Norse word gustr, meaning "a cold blast of wind." Gust also can be used to describe other things that come on with a sudden burst, like a violent gust of rain or an unexpected gust of sadness.

Definitions of gust

noun a strong current of air “the tree was bent almost double by the gust” synonyms: blast, blow see moresee less types: bluster a violent gusty wind sandblast a blast of wind laden with sand puff, puff of air, whiff a short light gust of air type of: air current, current, current of air, wind air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
verb blow hard; be gusty, as of wind synonyms: bluster see moresee less type of: blow be blowing or storming

Pronunciation US /gəst/ UK /gəst/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘gust'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

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