Musty Meaning in English
word
ˈməsti
MUH-stee
mˈʌsti
MUS-tee
Definition
Having an unpleasant, stale, or moldy smell, usually because something is old or damp.
Usage & Nuances
Most often describes smells in old, damp, or poorly ventilated places or objects, like books, basements, or clothes. Used in both literal and mildly negative figurative senses ('musty ideas' = old-fashioned). Not polite to use about people.
Spanish: a mohoso - rancio (olor)Portuguese (BR): com cheiro de mofo - abafadoPortuguese (PT): com cheiro a mofo - bafientoChinese (Simplified): 发霉的 - 有霉味的Chinese (Traditional): 發黴的 - 有黴味的Hindi: बासी - सीलन भरा (गंध)Arabic: عفن الرائحة - قديمBengali: আবছা - সোঁদা - বাসি (গন্ধ)Russian: затхлыйJapanese: カビ臭い - 古くさいVietnamese: ẩm mốc - có mùi mốcKorean: 곰팡내 나는 - 퀴퀴한Turkish: küf kokulu - bayat (koku)Urdu: باسی - پھپھوندی زدہ (بو)Indonesian: berbau apek - lembap (bau)
Example Sentences
The old basement smells musty.
basic
I found musty clothes in the closet.
basic
The library's air was musty and old.
basic
I opened a box and a musty smell hit me right away.
natural
Those cookies taste a little musty—are they old?
natural
Her house always has that musty smell after it rains.
natural