What does gust mean?
A gust is a brief, sudden movement of air, usually stronger or more noticeable than an ordinary breeze. The most common expression, “a gust of wind,” describes a forceful burst that can suddenly alter the surroundings, scatter objects, or change the direction of the wind. Gust also has a figurative use: a “gust of laughter,” “gust of fear,” or “gust of excitement” is a short, strong outburst of feeling, sound, or activity. As a verb, gust describes air or wind blowing in such bursts, as in “the wind gusted outside.” The word is common in British and American English and is especially useful when an event is sudden, temporary, and more intense than its surroundings. Although “gust” resembles “guest,” the two have entirely different meanings and etymologies.
A sudden, brief burst of wind or air; figuratively, a short and strong outburst of emotion, sound, or activity.
"She felt a gust of anxiety before the interview began."
The noun is countable and is commonly used with “of,” particularly in “a gust of wind” and figurative expressions such as “a gust of laughter.”
To blow in sudden, brief bursts, especially of wind.
"Cold air gusted through the open doorway."
The verb is normally intransitive; “the wind gusted” is standard, while a direct object is uncommon in modern usage.
Use the plural for multiple separate bursts of wind, emotion, sound, or activity.
"Strong gusts repeatedly pushed the sailboat away from the dock."
A gust turns still air into motion—and, figuratively, turns a quiet moment into a burst of laughter, fear, or enthusiasm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gust come from?
The modern word entered English through Middle English from Old Norse gustr, meaning a blast of wind; its ultimate origin is uncertain. English also has an older sense of gust connected with the Latin gustus, meaning taste, from which gustatory, gustation, and disgust are derived. The precise relationship between the wind and taste senses is debated, so they are often treated as separate but possibly related developments.
Related word forms
How gust is actually used
As a countable noun, gust commonly appears in constructions such as “a gust of wind” and “a gust of laughter.” As a verb, it is usually intransitive and describes the wind blowing in sudden bursts.
Easily confused with gust
A guest is a person who is invited to visit or attend an event, whereas a gust is a brief burst of wind.