What does gusty mean?
Gusty describes wind that blows in strong or sudden bursts, as in a gusty afternoon or a gusty wind that rattles the windows. It can also describe a person, performance, or manner as full of enthusiasm and vigorous energy, although this figurative use is less frequent. The word is especially useful when the wind is variable or comes in pronounced bursts rather than remaining a steady breeze. Gusty often carries a mildly inconvenient connotation because strongly moving air can interfere with travel, outdoor activities, or comfort, but it may instead emphasize freshness and exhilaration depending on context. The adjective is formed from gust with the suffix -y, following the familiar English pattern in which -y turns a noun into an adjective describing a quality: fog gives foggy, dust gives dusty, and gust gives gusty. Its vivid sound and concise formation make it especially effective in descriptions of weather and movement.
adjectiveCharacterized by strong or sudden bursts of wind. Figuratively, it can mean full of vigorous energy or enthusiasm.
- Characterized by strong winds or repeated sudden bursts of wind.
- Full of energy, enthusiasm, or forceful animation.
"A gusty wind scattered the leaves across the quiet street."
"The crossing became rough when the gusty wind pushed against the ferry."
"Her gusty performance brought the audience to its feet."
The suffix -y turns gust into a quality adjective: gusty is the word for weather that refuses to sit still.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gusty come from?
Gusty was formed in English by adding the suffix -y to the noun gust, originally with the sense of being characterized by gusts. Gust entered Middle English from Old Norse gusta, an older Germanic word associated with gusting or blowing wind. The English adjective developed from that older noun in the familiar productive pattern of -y adjectives.
Related word forms
How gusty is actually used
The literal sense is common in British and American English and can suggest unpleasant, boisterous weather. The figurative sense is less frequent and usually approving, describing a person or performance as energetic and enthusiastic.
Easily confused with gusty
A gust is a sudden burst of wind, while gusty is an adjective describing something characterized by such bursts.