1 bustle | Definition of bustle
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bustle

verb
bus·​tle | \ ˈbÉ™-sÉ™l How to pronounce bustle (audio) \
bustled; bustling\ ˈbÉ™s-​liÅ‹ How to pronounce bustling (audio) , ˈbÉ™-​sÉ™-​ \

Definition of bustle

 (Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move briskly and often ostentatiously bustled around the kitchen
2 : to be busily astir : teem The house was bustling with activity.

bustle

noun (1)

Definition of bustle (Entry 2 of 3)

: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity the hustle and bustle of the big city

bustle

noun (2)

Definition of bustle (Entry 3 of 3)

clothing : a pad or framework expanding and supporting the fullness and drapery of the back of a woman's skirt or dress the bustle of a nineteenth century wedding gown also : the drapery so supported
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about bustle

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Examples of bustle in a Sentence

Verb

 She bustled around the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests. on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop

First Known Use of bustle

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1637, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1782, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bustle

Verb and Noun (1)

probably alteration of obsolete buskle to prepare, frequentative of busk, from Old Norse būask to prepare oneself

Noun (2)

origin unknown

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More Definitions for bustle

bustle

verb
How to pronounce bustle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of bustle

: to move or go in a busy or hurried way
: to have a lot of busy activity

See the full definition for bustle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bustle

verb
bus·​tle | \ ˈbÉ™-sÉ™l How to pronounce bustle (audio) \
bustled; bustling

Kids Definition of bustle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to move about in a busy or noisy way

bustle

noun

Kids Definition of bustle (Entry 2 of 2)

: busy or noisy activity

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More from Merriam-Webster on bustle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bustle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bustle

Spanish Central: Translation of bustle

Nglish: Translation of bustle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bustle for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bustle

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