bustle

¹

[ buhs-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, bus·tled, bus·tling.

1. to move or act with a great show of energy (often followed by about ):

   He bustled about cooking breakfast.

2. to abound or teem with something; display an abundance of something (often followed by with ):

   The office bustled with people and activity.

verb (used with object)

, bus·tled, bus·tling.

1. to cause to bustle; hustle.

noun

1. thriving or energetic activity; stir; ferment.

   Synonyms: fuss, agitation, flurry, ado, teem, overflow, brim

bustle

²

[ buhs-uhl ]

noun

1. fullness around or below the waist of a dress, as added by a peplum, bows, ruffles, etc.
2. 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.

bustle

¹

/ ˈbʌsəl /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by about to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity

noun

1. energetic and noisy activity

bustle

²

/ ˈbʌsəl /

noun

1. 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

Derived Forms

• ˈbustler, noun
• ˈbustling, adjective

Other Words From

• bus·tler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bustle¹

First recorded in 1615–25; Middle English bustelen “to hurry aimlessly along,” perhaps akin to Old Norse busla “to splash about, bustle”

Origin of bustle²

First recorded in 1780–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of bustle¹

C16: probably from obsolete buskle to make energetic preparation, from dialect busk from Old Norse būask to prepare

Origin of bustle²

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

After nine months, McKeever gradually began to introduce Roger to the bustle and noise of New York.

From The Daily Beast

There is much purposeful hustle and bustle but tasks go uncompleted; confusion reigns.

From The Daily Beast

Since the film is set in the 19th century, Jones was outfitted in a series of Victorian era gowns, replete with bodice and bustle.

From The Daily Beast

But they numbered just two dozen in all and barely disturbed the workday bustle of the national capital.

From The Daily Beast

The bustle of the newsroom is a mere backdrop for self-involved characters to give talky speeches and taunt each other.

From The Daily Beast

There was no dog with her, and in the bustle that followed, I forgot to seek further for the solution of those two fiery lights.

From Project Gutenberg

Accustomed to the bustle and hurry of a soldier's life, he was too old to acquire the tastes of a life of tranquillity.

From Project Gutenberg

You will forget me in the bustle of your career, monsieur; but I shall always hold your memory very dear and very gratefully.

From Project Gutenberg

Those were busy days in the history of the “Anchor,” and the constant stream of poorer wayfarers added to the bustle.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Carrington heard the bustle in the class, so she sat up and looked out over the room with asperity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commotion
• hubbub
• tumult