gust

¹

[guhst]

noun

1. a sudden, strong blast of wind.

2. a sudden rush or burst of water, fire, smoke, sound, etc.

3. an outburst of passionate feeling.

verb (used without object)

1. to blow or rush in gusts.

gust

²

[guhst]

noun

1. Archaic.,  flavor or taste.

2. Obsolete.,  enjoyment or gratification.

verb (used with object)

1. Scot.,  to taste; savor.

gust

/ ɡʌst /

noun

1. a sudden blast of wind

2. a sudden rush of smoke, sound, etc

3. an outburst of emotion

verb

1. to blow in gusts

   the wind was gusting to more than 50 mph

Other Word Forms

• gustless adjective
• gustable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Old Norse gustr “a gust,” akin to gjōsa, gusa “to gust”

Origin of gust²

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin gustus a tasting (of food), eating a little, akin to gustāre to taste

Word History and Origins

Origin of gust¹

C16: from Old Norse gustr; related to gjōsa to _gush ; see _geyser

Synonym Study

See wind ¹.

Example Sentences

Before that it was Storm Eowyn in January, the most powerful windstorm in the UK for over a decade with gusts of over 135mph.

From BBC

The King fire erupted early Thursday morning along the 5 Freeway, near Pyramid Lake, amid gusts as high as 30 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

Wind patterns, including strong gusts that sweep across the lake bed and surrounding farmland, can also kick up fine, toxic particles and carry them into nearby towns — exposing more residents.

From Los Angeles Times

The forecast shows that the area will see light south-southwest winds at 4 mph and gusting at 10 mph, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis.

From Los Angeles Times

As of Sunday morning, fire teams have continued to monitor the Canyon fire as hot temperatures and potential wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour remain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast 
• breeze 
• burst 
• explosion 
• flurry 
• gale 
• squall 
• storm