# rusty

/ˈɹəsti/ (US) · /ɹˈʌsti/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. covered in rust

adjective · CEFR B1

covered with a reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it gets wet.

For teachers: affected by or covered with rust; showing signs of oxidation on metallic surfaces.

- The old gate was so rusty that it made a loud noise when I opened it.
- The abandoned machinery sat in the field for decades, its once-bright paint replaced by a thick, rusty crust that flaked off in the wind.

### 2. out of practice

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

not as good at a skill as you used to be because you haven't done it for a long time.

For teachers: impaired in skill or knowledge through lack of recent practice or use.

- My French is a bit rusty because I haven't spoken it since high school.
- Although he was a talented pianist in his youth, he felt too rusty to perform the complex concerto without several weeks of intensive rehearsal.

### 3. reddish-brown color

adjective · CEFR B2

having a color like rust, which is a mix of red, orange, and brown.

For teachers: having the characteristic reddish-brown color of iron oxide.

- The dog had a beautiful rusty coat that glowed in the afternoon sun.
- The autumn leaves turned a deep, rusty orange before finally falling from the oak trees.

### 4. a gun

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · British English · Dialect

a slang word for a gun, especially one that is old or in poor condition.

For teachers: a slang term for a firearm, specifically one that appears worn or poorly maintained.

- The police found a rusty hidden under the floorboards of the empty house.
- In certain urban dialects, a 'rusty' refers to a firearm, often implying it is an older or less reliable weapon used in street crime.

Usage: Typically used as a countable noun in Multicultural London English (MLE).

## Examples

- My French is a bit rusty because I haven't spoken it in years.
- I tried to play the piano after a decade away, but my fingers felt incredibly rusty and slow.
- While the veteran pilot's technical knowledge remained intact, his manual handling skills were noticeably rusty during the emergency simulation after his six-month sabbatical.

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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.