boisterous

American  

[boi-ster-uhs, -struhs] / ˈbɔɪ stər əs, -strəs /

adjective

1. rough and noisy; noisily jolly or rowdy; clamorous; unrestrained.

   the sound of boisterous laughter.

   Synonyms:

   wild, violent, turbulent, tumultuous, tempestuous, impetuous, vociferous, loud, obstreperous, uproarious

   Antonyms:

   serene, calm

2. (of waves, weather, wind, etc.) rough and stormy.

   Synonyms:

   wild, violent, turbulent, tumultuous, tempestuous

   Antonyms:

   serene, calm

3. Obsolete. rough and massive.

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boisterous British  

/ -strəs, ˈbɔɪstərəs /

adjective

1. noisy and lively; unrestrained or unruly

2. (of the wind, sea, etc) turbulent or stormy

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Other Word Forms

• boisterously adverb
• boisterousness noun
• unboisterous adjective
• unboisterously adverb
• unboisterousness noun

Etymology

Origin of boisterous

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English boistrous, variant of Middle English boistous “crude, fierce, gross, strong”; of obscure origin; possibly from Old French boisteus “lame,” from boist(e) “box,” also “cavity containing an organ, cavity in a bone” (ultimately from Late Latin buxis; see box ¹ ( def. )) + -eus -eous ( def. )

Explanation

Boisterous is a word used to describe someone spirited, loud, and slightly out of control — like someone with a spring in their step and a song in their heart singing to strangers on the street. Boisterous means "loud, clamorous, and unrestrained." Think of children on a playground or a lively party or a litter of puppies as boisterous. This word, which comes from Middle English, can also refer to very intense storms. You could call a hurricane boisterous, but you will most likely hear this word used to describe people.

Example Sentences

He expects the city — typically boisterous with Latin acts then — to lose a big chunk of music tourism from the north and south.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

The tiny white and pink petals of cherry flowers, known as sakura, herald the start of spring in Japan, and full bloom ushers in a brief period of boisterous outdoor parties held by residents.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

In 1996, David Keating cast her as Cathleen, the boisterous mother to a sullen teenager played by Jared Leto in “The Last of the High Kings.”

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

In such a boisterous environment, the first set would be crucial.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

Señora Oralia’s laugh was loud and boisterous from deep in her belly like it had been stored there, waiting for this specific moment.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

Related Words

• clamorous
• loud
• rambunctious
• raucous
• riotous
• rollicking
• rowdy
• strident
• unruly
• uproarious
• vociferous