be bursting
idiom
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 more than 30 million people expected to visit Rome this Jubilee year–a period of reflection and pilgrimage held every quarter century, and one of the Catholic Church’s major global events–the Eternal City will be bursting at the seams with tourists from the world over.
—
Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Along your drive, expect each side to be bursting with bright fields of bluebonnets, fiery red Indian paintbrushes, and cheery yellow coreopsis.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
And the music videos, as usual, will be bursting full of bright colors and energy similar to a children’s pizza party right before nap time.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Here’s the thing, though: That sad handful of almonds could be bursting with flavor.
—Jancee Dunn, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Neighborhoods around San Diego will be bursting with colorful costumes, elaborate ofrendas (or altars), live music and dancing this weekend for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
My bathroom shelf may be bursting at the seams with lotions and potions (many of which are great) but my must-haves constitute only a very small proportion — and almost always fall under these three letters.
—Lauren Cunningham, refinery29.com, 4 July 2024
Hot Springs’ skies will be bursting with color come the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, August 23 through 25.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
The beloved Up North city is expected to be bursting with flavorful fruits and visitors as the annual festival kicks off this weekend.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
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Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Along your drive, expect each side to be bursting with bright fields of bluebonnets, fiery red Indian paintbrushes, and cheery yellow coreopsis.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
And the music videos, as usual, will be bursting full of bright colors and energy similar to a children’s pizza party right before nap time.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Here’s the thing, though: That sad handful of almonds could be bursting with flavor.
—Jancee Dunn, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Neighborhoods around San Diego will be bursting with colorful costumes, elaborate ofrendas (or altars), live music and dancing this weekend for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
My bathroom shelf may be bursting at the seams with lotions and potions (many of which are great) but my must-haves constitute only a very small proportion — and almost always fall under these three letters.
—Lauren Cunningham, refinery29.com, 4 July 2024
Hot Springs’ skies will be bursting with color come the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, August 23 through 25.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
The beloved Up North city is expected to be bursting with flavorful fruits and visitors as the annual festival kicks off this weekend.
—Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Be bursting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20bursting. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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