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Definition of mustiness

mustiness

/ˈmʌs.ti.nəs/
mus · ti · ness
Adverb:mustily
•
Adjective:musty
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mustiness Lexical Profile

mustiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being stale, damp, or moldy in smell or taste.

Example

"Opening the windows helped air out the lingering mustiness of the old cabin."

2

The quality of being antiquated, dull, or lacking in vitality and originality.

Example

"The new director modernized the play to rid the production of its academic mustiness."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for mustiness

• Nearby Words

mustard seed
mustardy
muster
mustiness
musty
mutable
mutant

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the adjective 'musty' plus the suffix '-ness', where 'musty' likely evolved as an alteration of earlier 'moisty' (damp) or from 'must' (new or fermenting wine, from Latin 'mustum').

Cite this Entry

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