First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
musty
adjective \ˈməs-tē\
: having a bad smell because of wetness, old age, or lack of fresh air
must·i·ermust·i·est
Full Definition of MUSTY
2
— must·i·ly \ˈməs-tə-lē\ adverb
— must·i·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun
See musty defined for English-language learners
See musty defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MUSTY
4must
Related to MUSTY
Synonym Discussion of MUSTY
malodorous, stinking, fetid, noisome, putrid, rank, fusty, musty mean bad-smelling. malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive <malodorous fertilizers>. stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting <prisoners were held in stinking cells> <the fetid odor of skunk cabbage>. noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive <a stagnant, noisome sewer>. putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter <the putrid smell of rotting fish>. rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell <rank cigar smoke>. fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age <a fusty attic> <the musty odor of a damp cellar>.
MUSTIEST Defined for Kids
musty
adjective \ˈmə-stē\
must·i·ermust·i·est
Definition of MUSTY for Kids
: smelling of dampness, decay, or lack of fresh air <a musty basement>
Learn More About MUSTY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up musty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).