busybody

[ biz-ee-bod-ee ]

noun

, plural bus·y·bod·ies.

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

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

busybody

/ ˈbɪzɪˌbɒdɪ /

noun

1. a meddlesome, prying, or officious person

Derived Forms

• ˈbusyˌbodying, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of busybody¹

First recorded in 1520–30; busy + body

Example Sentences

Right-wing Supreme Court justices can now sit back to let their ideological allies in red states delegate the job of stripping women of their rights to greedy busybodies.

From Washington Post

In “The Shop,” a doctor’s busybody wife is the character you love to hate.

From Washington Blade

People of color are on the internet just as much as anyone else but perhaps living in communities where no one believes that being a busybody is the key to anyone having a good day is the sine qua non.

From Ozy

You'd have married me last fall if some busybody hadn't filled your ears with scandal.

From Project Gutenberg

Without playing the part of the busybody, we may study the facts of human nature, and be aware of the developments of society.

From Project Gutenberg

But this was risky; it would bring him in view of a kitchen window whence some busybody might observe him.

From Project Gutenberg

She vaguely knew this lady for a busybody, but she was in a situation which even busybodies might alleviate.

From Project Gutenberg

They may support you, or they may call you an interfering busybody for your pains; you'll have to take your chance of that.

From Project Gutenberg