dust

Very small dry pieces of dirt or other material, found in the air or on surfaces.

• There is dust on the shelf.
• The truck left a cloud of dust behind it.
• She wiped the dust from the table.

Common phrases: layer of dust, dust on something

A noisy argument or excited disturbance.

• The proposal raised a dust among the members.
• He kicked up a dust over the bill.
• Her unexpected resignation raised quite a dust.

Similar words: fuss, commotion, uproar

Common phrases: raise a dust, kick up dust

To remove fine dirt from furniture or other surfaces, usually with a cloth.

• Please dust the table.
• I dusted the shelves yesterday.
• She dusts the furniture every week.

Common phrases: dust the shelves, dust the furniture

To cover something lightly with a fine powder or small drops of liquid.

• Dust the cake with sugar.
• She dusted the work surface with flour.
• The gardener dusted the leaves with insect powder.

How to use it: dust something with something (Dust the biscuits with icing sugar.)

Similar words: sprinkle

Common phrases: dust with flour, dust something lightly