Phrase guide

collect dust

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To remain untouched and unused for a long period of time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The trophies on his wall reminding him of his heyday are now just collecting dust.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 吃灰 (chīhuī) — remain unused
  • Finnish: pölyttyä — remain unused
  • French: ramasser la poussière — remain unused
  • Russian: пыли́ться (pylítʹsja) — remain unused
  • Swedish: samla damm — remain unused