Dusting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a light or fine layer of dust or powder spread over a surface, often in household cleaning or culinary contexts.

• She gave the shelves a quick dusting before the guests arrived.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cake for decoration.

A fine, dry substance consisting of tiny particles, often used in cooking, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

• Add a spoonful of cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
• She applied a light dusting of face powder to set her makeup.

Small pieces or bits of a substance, often used in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts to describe tiny elements.

• The lab tested water samples for harmful particles.
• Airborne particles can cause health issues if inhaled over time.

Refers to scattered pieces of waste or remains, often used in contexts of destruction, disasters, or cleanup from accidents.

• The tornado left debris scattered all over the town.
• After the party, there was debris of confetti and empty cups everywhere.

Used when you need to remove a layer of dust from surfaces like furniture, shelves, or decorative items.

• She spent the morning dusting the shelves
• He had to do a lot of dusting before the guests arrived

General term for removing dirt, marks, or mess from various surfaces and spaces. Can apply to various cleaning activities like washing, sweeping, or dusting.

• She needed to clean her room before her friends came over
• He spent the whole day cleaning the kitchen

Used when you need to clean a surface by rubbing it with a cloth, sponge, or paper towel to remove dirt, spills, or stains.

• He used a cloth to wipe the kitchen counter
• She had to wipe the spills from the table

Used when you need to use a broom to move and remove dirt or litter from a floor or ground. Often related to cleaning larger areas like floors or outdoor spaces.

• After the party, he had to sweep the kitchen floor
• She asked her son to sweep the leaves off the porch