bluster
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
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boisterous noise and violence.
the bluster of the streets.
-
noisy, empty threats or protests; inflated talk.
bluff and bluster.
verb
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to speak or say loudly or boastfully
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to act in a bullying way
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to force or attempt to force (a person) into doing something by behaving thus
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(intr) (of the wind) to be noisy or gusty
noun
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boisterous talk or action; swagger
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empty threats or protests
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a strong wind; gale
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bluster
First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps from Low German blustern, blüstern “to blow violently”; compare Old Norse blāstr “blowing, hissing”
Explanation
If you tell the captain of the basketball team that you're going to beat him at a game of hoops even though you've never played, you're speaking with a lot of bluster or false confidence and bravado. Bluster can also mean a strong wind. On a blustery day, you'll see trees blowing and people holding onto their hats. When someone full of bluster is talking about how they can do something that you think they can't, they're blowing a lot of hot air in your direction. And coincidently, another name for that type of person is a blowhard.
Vocabulary lists containing bluster
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bluster can be a useful ingredient in foreign policy, but only if means and ends are well integrated.
From Slate • Apr. 30, 2025
Bluster and blunder were coming home to roost.
From The Guardian • May 11, 2020
"Bluster is not an outcome - bluster is bluster," he says.
From BBC • Jan. 28, 2018
Bluster is no substitute for actually being capable.
From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2014
His calm, smiling self-possession almost drove poor Bluster frantic.
From Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 1. by Warren, Samuel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
