bustle
1to move or act with a great show of energy (often followed by about): He bustled about cooking breakfast.
to abound or teem with something; display an abundance of something (often followed by with): The office bustled with people and activity.
Origin of bustle
1Other words for bustle
Other words from bustle
- bus·tler, noun
Other definitions for bustle (2 of 2)
fullness around or below the waist of a dress, as added by a peplum, bows, ruffles, etc.
a pad, cushion, or framework formerly worn under the back of a woman's skirt to expand, support, and display the full cut and drape of a dress.
Origin of bustle
2Other words from bustle
- bustled, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use bustle in a sentence
The orator bustled up to him, and drawing him partly aside, inquired “on which side he voted?”
A distinguished-looking man, evidently vested with authority, bustled forward and addressed him, civilly enough.
The Red Year | Louis TracyHe had no undue trial of his patience, for a moment later the editor of the Mercury bustled into the room.
The Weight of the Crown | Fred M. WhiteAnd Mrs. Davis bustled out of the cabin and energetically shooed the curious youngsters away.
A Virginia Scout | Hugh PendexterThe cook bustled back into the house, to return with a sealed envelope addressed to Houston.
The White Desert | Courtney Ryley Cooper
At this moment Mrs. Errington bustled into the room, holding a small roll of yellow lace in her hand.
A Charming Fellow, Volume II (of 3) | Frances Eleanor Trollope
British Dictionary definitions for bustle (1 of 2)
/ (ˈbʌsəl) /
(when intr , often foll by about) to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity
energetic and noisy activity
Origin of bustle
1Derived forms of bustle
- bustler, noun
- bustling, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for bustle (2 of 2)
/ (ˈbʌsəl) /
a cushion or a metal or whalebone framework worn by women in the late 19th century at the back below the waist in order to expand the skirt
Origin of bustle
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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