# dusting

/ˈdəstɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈʌstɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dusting
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of cleaning the dust off furniture and other surfaces in a house.

For teachers: the action of removing fine particles of dirt or debris from surfaces, typically using a cloth or brush.

## Examples

- I do the dusting every Saturday morning.
- After the renovation was finished, the house required a thorough dusting to remove the layer of white powder on the bookshelves.
- While a light dusting may suffice for daily maintenance, a deep clean involves moving every ornament to ensure no allergens remain trapped behind the displays.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'to do' ('do the dusting') or as a singular noun phrase ('a dusting of').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.