be bursting

phrase

1

: to be filled with something

The crate was bursting with fruit.

The dish is bursting with flavors.

Her parents were practically bursting with pride.

2

: to want very much to do (something one is not yet able to do)

I'm bursting to tell you the news, but I have to talk to Ken first.

3

British, informal : to need to urinate very badly

Examples of be bursting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With just a few tweaks, a small backyard can be bursting with life to become a hub for gardening, playing, and entertaining. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

Depending on how late winter goes, the Meriden Daffodil Festival on May 2 and 3 may not be bursting with fresh daffodils dotting the historic Hubbard Park. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026

The episode has raised fresh questions about how much longer Europe is willing to absorb pressure from Washington in the name of a NATO alliance that appears to be bursting at the seams. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026

The Universal Studios Hollywood calendar will be bursting with seasonal events from Fan Fest Nights to Halloween Horror Nights to the Christmas winter holidays as the movie theme park looks ahead to 2026 and rolls out its lineup for the year ahead. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for be bursting

• thirsting