hustle

play

verb hus·tle \ˈhə-səl\

Simple Definition of hustle

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

play \ˈhə-s(ə-)liŋ\

transitive verb
1 a : jostle, shove b : to convey forcibly or hurriedly c : to urge forward precipitately
2 a : to obtain by energetic activity <hustle up new customers> b : to sell something to or obtain something from by energetic and especially underhanded activity <hustling the suckers> c : to sell or promote energetically and aggressively <hustling a new product> d : to lure less skillful players into competing against oneself at (a gambling game) <hustle pool>
intransitive verb
1 : shove, press
2 : hasten, hurry
3 a : to make strenuous efforts to obtain especially money or business b : to obtain money by fraud or deception c : to engage in prostitution
4 : to play a game or sport in an alert aggressive manner

noun

play \ˈhə-slər\ noun

See hustle defined for English-language learners

See hustle defined for kids

The guards hustled the prisoners into the jail.
The star's manager hustled him out the back door of the theater to avoid the throngs of fans.
He's not the most talented player on the team, but he always hustles.
He's been hustling drugs for a few years.
They hustle diamonds, furs—whatever people are buying.

Dutch husselen to shake, from Middle Dutch hutselen, frequentative of hutsen

First Known Use: 1720

play

verb hus·tle \ˈhə-səl\

1 : to push, crowd, or force forward roughly <Officers hustled the prisoner to jail.>
2 : to move or work rapidly and tirelessly <They're hustling to get the job done.> <He hustled back to class.>