jostle

American  

[jos-uhl] / ˈdʒɒs əl /

Sometimes justle

verb (used with object)

jostled, jostling

1. to bump, push, shove, brush against, or elbow roughly or rudely.

2. to drive or force by, or as if by, pushing or shoving.

   The crowd jostled him into the subway.

3. to exist in close contact or proximity with.

   The three families jostle each other in the small house.

4. to contend with.

   rival gangs continually jostling each other.

5. to unsettle; disturb.

   The thought jostled her complacency.

6. Slang. to pick the pocket of.

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verb (used without object)

jostled, jostling

1. to bump or brush against someone or something, as in passing or in a crowd; push or shove (often followed by with, for, oragainst ).

   He jostled for position.

2. to exist in close contact or proximity with someone or something.

3. to compete; contend.

4. Slang. to pick pockets.

noun

1. a shock, push, bump, or brush against someone or something.

jostle British  

/ ˈdʒɒsəl /

verb

1. to bump or push (someone) roughly

2. to come or bring into contact

3. to force (one's way) by pushing

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noun

1. the act of jostling

2. a rough bump or push

Other Word Forms

• jostlement
  noun
• jostler
  noun
• unjostled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of jostle

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant (in Middle English, variant spelling) of justle, equivalent to just(en) “to joust” + -le; see origin at joust

Explanation

The verb jostle describes being bumped and pushed in a horde of people — or doing the bumping, like those at a concert who jostle their way to the front, and the people jostled out of their spots when the newcomers arrive. Jostle describes both what someone does, like an impatient person who jostles other people out of his way on a crowded bus or subway car, and what happens to those victims: They may have their bags and cups of hot coffee jostled out of their hands by the impatient one's pushing and shoving. When you say the word jostle remember to shove the t out of the way because it's silent: "JOSS-ul."

Example Sentences

We’re hearing the music even as we jostle through high-school hallways in our mind, revisiting old crushes and humiliations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

This year, companies will also jostle to sell space, analysts say, with roomy SUVs' new growth area targeting customers prioritising seating and comfort.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

This is not the first time Singaporeans have crossed swords over how common spaces should be used in the land-scarce country, where more than 8,300 people jostle for each kilometre.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Ronan, better known as a painter in New York’s contemporary art world, chronicles a collection of still lives who jostle themselves out of an emotional stupor.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Kids jostle to get a seat next to their partners.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• hustle
• scramble
• shove