What does gusting mean?
Gusting most commonly describes wind that blows in short, forceful bursts rather than steadily. A forecast of gusting winds, or a report that the wind is gusting across the hills, conveys repeated surges that can make travel difficult and bring loose objects down. The word is the present participle of the verb “gust” and is also used adjectivally before a noun, especially in the common phrase “gusting winds.” In informal British usage, “gusting” can also convey intense disgust or contempt, as in “a gusting sneer,” while the standard, more neutral word for something disgusting is “disgusting.” Its appeal lies in the vivid force of the original meteorological sense: the wind does not simply blow; it lunges in bursts. Because that physical movement is easy to imagine, “gusting” is especially effective in weather reports, journalism, and descriptive prose.
Blowing in short, strong bursts, especially of wind. In informal British English, it can also mean contemptuous or thoroughly disgusting.
"Gusting winds forced the organisers to postpone the race."
The meteorological sense is common in British and American English. The sense expressing disgust or contempt is informal and chiefly British.
To blow in short, strong bursts.
"The wind was gusting so strongly that several cyclists abandoned the ride."
Usually used in the continuous form “is/was gusting,” with wind as the usual subject.
A gusting wind does not merely blow—it lunges.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gusting come from?
The English noun and verb “gust” were inherited through Middle English from Old Norse, where “gusta” meant to gust or blow strongly. “Gusting” follows the ordinary English pattern of adding the present-participle ending -ing to “gust.” The related forms “gusty” and “gustiness” were developed later in English from the same base.
Related word forms
How gusting is actually used
In weather contexts, gusting indicates repeated surges of wind rather than a steady breeze and is commonly used attributively, as in “gusting winds.” Its contemptuous or disgusting sense is informal, is especially associated with British English, and is more emotionally forceful than the neutral word “disgusting.”
Easily confused with gusting
Gusting describes wind or air moving in repeated bursts, whereas gusty characterizes something habitually marked by strong gusts.