# musty

/ˈməsti/ (US) · /mˈʌsti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/musty
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

having a strong, unpleasant smell like old books or damp clothes. You use this to describe things that have been stored in a dark, humid place for a long time.

For teachers: having a strong, unpleasant odour resembling that of old paper or damp wool. Often used to describe objects that have been stored in a poorly ventilated environment.

## Examples

- The old library smelled musty and damp.
- I had to open the window because the old trunk smelled musty after being in the attic for years.
- The musty scent of the abandoned warehouse was a stark contrast to the sterile, modern offices of the new headquarters.

---

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.