bustle

1 of 3

verb

bus·​tle ˈbə-səl 

bustled; bustling ˈbəs-liŋ 

ˈbə-sə-

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

2 of 3

noun (1)

: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity

the hustle and bustle of the big city

bustle

3 of 3

noun (2)

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 19th century wedding gown

also : the drapery so supported

Synonyms of bustle

Verb

• burst
• buzz
• hum
• bulge

Noun (1)

• commotion
• disturbance
• hurry
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• noise

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

Noun (1)

I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In an escape bordering on the miraculous, the crash somehow spared motorists on Milam Dairy Road and terrified workers in a bustling industrial warehouse district west of the airport. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

The backstory The idea of creating a love letter to friends and family inspired owner Noel Hayden to set up shop here, on a bustling corner of Soho. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

The private Dos Mares tunnel marks a dramatic transition into a world apart, as the bustle of contemporary life gives way to the regenerative influence of sea, sun, and fresh air. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

Airport-style security screening was neatly integrated into the low-slung bustle on the north side of the tower. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing bustle

• hustle and bustle

Rhymes for bustle

• hustle
• muscle
• mussel
• russel
• rustle
• trussell
• tussle
• mofussil

Kids Definition

bustle

1 of 2 verb

bus·​tle ˈbəs-əl 

bustled; bustling ˈbəs-(ə-)liŋ 

: to move about busily or noisily

bustle

2 of 2 noun

: noisy or energetic activity