busybody

American  

[biz-ee-bod-ee] / ˈbɪz iˌbɒd i /

noun

plural

busybodies

1. a person who pries into or meddles in the affairs of others.

   Synonyms:

   blabbermouth, gossip, Nosy Parker, meddler, pry, snoop

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busybody British  

/ ˈbɪzɪˌbɒdɪ /

noun

1. a meddlesome, prying, or officious person

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Other Word Forms

• busybodying noun

Etymology

Origin of busybody

First recorded in 1520–30; busy + body

Example Sentences

After class I played with President Davis’s daughters, nicknamed Dit, Dot, and Dash—the same as the Morse code signals the military used to communicate— because they were such busybodies.

From Literature

He sometimes came across as a busybody, she said, but many residents thought he was watching out for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

But busybody Louise was already making for the door, peering under it out to the crowded corridor.

From Literature

The nomination process essentially officializes gossip, as various local busybodies suggest women based on hearsay about them and their families.

From New York Times

Apparently, other parents decided they didn't want these busybodies telling them how to educate or raise their kids so they ran against them and won.

From Salon