gusty

Imagine standing outside on a day when the wind does not blow evenly but keeps hitting you in strong, sudden bursts. That is what "gusty" usually describes. It is most often used for weather or wind conditions, especially when calm moments are broken by quick blasts of stronger wind. You may also see it used in a more literary way for sounds or actions that come in forceful bursts, but that use is much less common.

The word "gusty" is mainly used to describe wind or weather with sudden, uneven bursts of stronger air. Instead of blowing at one steady speed, the wind rises sharply for a moment, then drops again. That is why a forecast might mention "gusty winds" or "gusty conditions" when the air feels changeable and can quickly become stronger.

This is different from words for steady strong wind, such as "gale," because "gusty" focuses on the stop-and-start pattern. The idea is not just strength but sudden change. It often suggests a day when the wind is hard to predict, which can matter for sailors, cyclists, hikers, or anyone spending time outdoors.

In older or more literary writing, "gusty" can sometimes describe sounds, feelings, or actions that come in bursts, but this is a secondary use. It is also easy to confuse "gusty" with "gutsy." They look similar, but they are not the same: "gusty" relates to gusts and sudden bursts, especially of wind, while "gutsy" means brave or bold.