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Definition of dustup

dustup

/ˈdʌst.ʌp/
(UK: dust-up)
dust · up
Plural:dustups
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dustup Lexical Profile

dustup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An informal quarrel, commotion, or brief physical fight.

Example

"A minor dustup between the two senators during the committee hearing dominated the evening news."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

dustrag
dustsheet
duststorm
dustup
dusty
dusty miller
dutch

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a noun compound from the verbal phrase 'to kick up a dust,' referring to the cloud of dirt raised during a physical scuffle.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dustup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dustup
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