bustle

¹

[buhs-uhl]

verb (used without object)

bustled, bustling 

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

   He bustled about cooking breakfast.

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

   The office bustled with people and activity.

verb (used with object)

bustled, bustling 

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. 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

Other Word Forms

• bustler noun
• bustling adjective
• bustled adjective

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

Across the 100 or so miles west of Madison, bluffs still soar, valleys still plunge and the air still holds more birdsong than bustle.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

This last weekend, Rare Books L.A. transformed Union Station’s historic ticket hall into a bustling biblio-bazaar, drawing more than 50 antiquarian booksellers and collectors from across the country.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Soon came a post office, a store, and a little school with a bustling 4-H club that was frequently celebrated for its exploits in the local papers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Further north, in the forests of Ubud, resorts are marketing themselves as a sanctuary to escape the bustle of the south.

Read more on BBC

The region, known for its rolling hills and serene setting, has become a hot spot for rappers, athletes and Kardashians looking for privacy outside the bustle of L.A.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commotion 
• hubbub 
• tumult