What does "gust" mean?
A strong, abrupt rush of wind.
Gust
/ɡʌst/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A strong, abrupt rush of wind.
- Grammar: gust is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: blow, access, affection, aftertaste.
- Useful contrasts: no wind, abate, calm.
- Usage evidence: A gust of wind swelled the sails.
How to use "gust"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gust" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gust" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gust" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gust" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gust" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "blow" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gust", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A strong, abrupt rush of wind.
"The maximum sustained winds recorded at Waglan Island, Tate’s Cairn and Cheung Chau Beach were 113, 101 and 97 kmh (70, 62, 60 mph) respectively, with maximum gusts 135, 154 and 130 kmh (84, 96, 81 mph)"
- 2 The physiological faculty of taste. archaic, uncountable
- 3 a strong current of air wordnet
- 4 Any rush or outburst (of water, emotion, etc.). broadly
"they are merely driven about by every sudden gust and impulse of the mind"
- 5 Relish, enjoyment, appreciation. uncountable
", "The Spirit of Grace" An ox will relish the tender flesh of kids with as much gust and appetite."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Intellectual taste; fancy. uncountable
"A choice of it may be made according to the gust and manner of the ancients."
Verb
- 1 To blow in gusts. intransitive, transitive
"Do the dryers disperse bacteria and viruses through the restroom, like autumn breezes gusting leaves across a lawn?"
- 2 To taste. obsolete, transitive
- 3 To have a relish for. obsolete, transitive
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Example
"A gust of wind swelled the sails."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gust"?
Common synonyms include: blow, access, affection, aftertaste, alacrity, animation.
How do you use "gust" in a sentence?
A gust of wind swelled the sails.
How do you pronounce "gust"?
Pronounced /ɡʌst/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Apparently from an unrecorded Middle English *gust, from Old Norse gustr (“a gust, blast”), from Proto-Germanic *gustiz, from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰew-. Cognate with Icelandic gustur (“gust of wind”). Related also to Old Norse gusa (“to gush forth”), Old High German gussa (“flood”), Middle English guschen (> English gush). The English word was not recorded before Shakespeare.
Etymology 2
From Middle English gust, guste, from Latin gustus (“taste”) and Old French gust, goust.
Etymology 3
From Middle English gusten (“to taste, have a taste for”), from the noun (see above).
Etymology 4
Of Old Norse origin, from Gustav.