bossy

¹

[baw-see, bos-ee]

adjective

bossier, bossiest 

1. given to ordering people about; overly authoritative; domineering.

   Synonyms: abrasive, overbearing, dictatorial, officious, high-handed

bossy

²

[baw-see, bos-ee]

adjective

bossier, bossiest 

1. studded with knoblike or projecting parts.

bossy

³

[bos-ee, baw-see]

noun

plural

bossies 

1. a familiar name for a cow or calf.

bossy

¹

/ ˈbɒsɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  domineering, overbearing, or authoritarian

bossy

²

/ ˈbɒsɪ /

adjective

1. (of furniture) ornamented with bosses

Other Word Forms

• bossily adverb
• bossiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bossy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; boss ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of bossy²

First recorded in 1535–45; boss ² + -y ¹

Origin of bossy³

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boss ³ + -y ²

Example Sentences

"I have been quite bossy making sure everyone is doing their part, and at the right time," said Emma.

Read more on BBC

He said he had a "bossy sister, who taught me right from wrong" and loved playing cricket.

Read more on BBC

Their parents, too, are likable, loving, hard-working people, a little bossy now and then, but genuinely concerned for their children.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It gets hearty laughs by flattening Russell’s Walker — a tragic Afghanistan veteran confused by the government’s inconsistency about when he’s allowed to kill — into a spoof of bossy, paternalistic privilege.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Well, I don't call her my manager. Everybody else calls her my manager, because she's bossy. She's a little Capricorn like me. So we have that bond."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• imperious 
• overbearing 
• pushy