ENGLISH THESAURUS & DICTIONARY

rust

adjective · noun · verb

Words like rust

Compare the definitions to choose the right meaning.

39 words · adjective, noun, verbSort by

corrode

Synonymverb

eat

Synonymverb

rusty

Synonymadjective / noun

Synonymnoun

Synonymadjective

Synonymnoun

Similar meaningadjective

oxidate

Similar meaningverb

oxidise

Similar meaningverb

oxidize

Similar meaningverb

Related words aren’t always interchangeable. Check the definition before you choose.

MEANING & USAGE

Definitions & examples

01adjective

of the brown color of rust

02noun

a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture

03noun

a plant disease that produces a reddish-brown discoloration of leaves and stems; caused by various rust fungi

04noun

the formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water

5 more meanings

05noun

any of various fungi causing rust disease in plants

06noun

A strong reddish brown color.

07verb

become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid

“The metal corroded”

“The pipes rusted”

08verb

cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid

“The acid corroded the metal”

“The steady dripping of water rusted the metal stopper in the sink”

09verb

become coated with oxide

Meanings and examples from Open English WordNet 2025. About our sources ↗

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Expressions with “rust”

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Explore multiword dictionary entries containing this word. Each has its own meanings and related words.

flax rust rust mite apple rust wheat rust white rust rust fungus blister rust rust inhibitor