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The earliest known use of the adjective musty is in the 1860s. OED's earliest evidence for musty is from 1868, in the Morning Star (London). musty is formed within English, by derivation.
The only known use of the noun musty is in the early 1700s. OED's earliest evidence for musty is from 1709, in the writing of Richard Steele, writer and politician. It is also recorded as an adjective from the Middle English period (1150—1500).
Damp or humid, especially when accompanied by a musty odor; Origin: The word "musty" has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily to describe the smell of old or damp objects. Over time, it came to be associated with the musty odor of mold and mildew. Additional Notes: The word "must" (noun) refers to the fermented grape juice ...
Mar 27, 2019 · also mouldy, "overgrown or covered with mold, decaying," 1570s, earlier mowly (late 14c.), from mold (n.2) + -y (2). Related: Moldiness. Your most beautiful bit, that hath all eyes upon her, That her honesty sells for a hogo of honour ; Whose lightness and brightness do shin
Nov 1, 2010 · “Musty” conjures associations like winter sweaters that have been packed away for months or an attic needs to be aired out. The word is used to describe odors that suggest the presence of mold. This makes sense when you consider its origin. Musty is likely a variant of the word “moisty,” or “moist.”
Oct 8, 2024 · The English word is analysable as must (“ mould; mustiness ”) + -y (suffix meaning ‘having the quality of’ forming adjectives); however, must is thought to be a back-formation from musty. [5] The noun [6] and verb [7] are derived from the adjective.
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Word Origin early 16th cent.: perhaps an alteration of moisty ‘moist’. Want to learn more? Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
