# rust

/ˈɹəst/ (US) · /ɹˈʌst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rust
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. metal coating

noun · CEFR B1

the reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it is exposed to air and water.

For teachers: the reddish-brown coating formed on iron or steel by oxidation, typically in the presence of moisture.

- The old bicycle was covered in rust after being left out in the rain all winter.
- The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised by deep rust that had accumulated on the support beams over several decades.

### 2. the color

noun · CEFR B2

a reddish-brown color like the color of rusted metal.

For teachers: a strong reddish-brown color resembling iron oxide.

- She chose a beautiful rust colored dress for the autumn wedding.
- The hills were a vibrant shade of rust as the sun set, reflecting the high iron content in the exposed rock faces.

### 3. to corrode

verb · CEFR B1

to become covered in rust or to cause metal to do this.

For teachers: to undergo or cause to undergo the chemical process of oxidation, specifically in ferrous metals.

- If you don't dry your garden tools, they will start to rust very quickly.
- Saltwater spray from the ocean will rust the iron railings within a single season if they are not treated with a protective sealant.

### 4. to lose skill

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to lose your ability to do something well because you have not practiced for a long time.

For teachers: to degenerate or become impaired through inactivity or lack of use.

- My piano skills have started to rust since I moved to a house without one.
- The diplomat feared his negotiating skills would rust during his long assignment to a quiet, stable post with no active conflicts.

### 5. color description

adjective · CEFR B2

having a reddish-brown color.

For teachers: of the color rust; used to describe fabrics, hair, or natural features.

- The fox had a thick rust coat that helped it hide among the fallen leaves.
- The interior designer recommended rust curtains to provide a warm contrast against the cool grey walls of the living room.

## Examples

- The old bicycle was covered in rust after being left in the rain.
- The mechanic warned that the rust on the car's frame was becoming a serious safety concern.
- Centuries of exposure to the salty sea air had allowed rust to compromise the structural integrity of the pier's iron supports, necessitating a complete reconstruction.

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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.