Dusting: meaning, definitions and examples

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dusting

[ˈdʌstɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cleaning

Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air.

Synonyms

debris, particles, powder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dusting	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.
powder	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.
particles	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.
debris	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.

Examples of usage

Mom noticed a thin layer of dusting on the bookshelf.
The dusting on the furniture indicated it hadn't been cleaned in a while.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cleaning

Cleaning a surface by wiping it with a cloth or a feather duster to remove dust.

Synonyms

clean, sweep, wipe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dusting	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
clean	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
wipe	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
sweep	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

Examples of usage

She was dusting the shelves in the living room.
He dusted off the old photo frame.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dusting' comes from the verb 'dust,' which dates back to the 15th century, meaning to remove dust.
In Old English, 'dust' referred to fine particles or powder, reflecting its origins in the natural presence of dirt.

Culture

In some cultures, a regular dusting ritual represents respect for one's home and belongings, showing care and pride in one’s living space.
Dusting can vary in practice; some people use traditional cloths, while others embrace advanced gadgets like vacuums or electronic dusters.

Health

Regular dusting helps reduce allergens in the home, making it vital for maintaining a healthy living environment.
Dust can hold various particles like pollen, pet dander, and mold, emphasizing the importance of frequent cleaning.

Science

Dust is made up of tiny particles from various sources, including skin cells, pollen, fibers, and even tiny bits of dirt.
The study of dust has helped scientists understand its role as both a pollutant in the air and a natural fertilizer in ecosystems.

Historical Practices

In Victorian England, elaborate dusting techniques were developed, involving specialized tools and methods for keeping homes immaculate.
Before modern cleaning supplies, households relied on handmade dust rags made from old clothes or linens to keep their spaces tidy.

Translations

Translations of the word "dusting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tirar o pó

🇮🇳 धूल झाड़ना

🇩🇪 Staubwischen

🇮🇩 mengelap debu

🇺🇦 пиляння

🇵🇱 ścieranie kurzu

🇯🇵 ほこりを払う

🇫🇷 époussetage

🇪🇸 sacudir el polvo

🇹🇷 toz almak

🇰🇷 먼지 털기

🇸🇦 تنظيف الغبار

🇨🇿 utírání prachu

🇸🇰 utieranie prachu

🇨🇳 掸灰尘

🇸🇮 brisanje prahu

🇮🇸 ryksuga

🇰🇿 шаң сүрту

🇬🇪 მტვრის გაწმენდა

🇦🇿 toz alma

🇲🇽 sacudir el polvo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,525, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16522 bayonet
16523 limitless
16524 infernal
16525 dusting
16526 colliery
16527 reliant
16528 thaw
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