bossy

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ˈbȯ-sē  ˈbä- 

bossier; bossiest

: inclined to domineer : dictatorial

bossiness noun

bossy

2 of 3

adjective (2)

ˈbä-sē  ˈbȯ- 

1

: marked by a swelling or roundness

2

: marked by bosses : studded

bossy

3 of 3

noun

ˈbȯ-sē  ˈbä- 

plural bossies

: cow, calf

Synonyms of bossy

Adjective (1)

• domineering
• authoritarian
• arrogant

Examples of bossy in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

I don't want to work with him because he's so bossy and always runs roughshod over me

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These birds are larger and louder than many other backyard residents, giving them both an edge over their smaller neighbors and a reputation for being bossy and aggressive. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Oct. 2026

Kim was effusive and bossy, running her multibillion-dollar business in a bathrobe, two gay men pulling at her hair and face. — Jonathan Van Meter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Debb tried to take control of the Kucha tribe early, but the others weren’t having it and saw her as bossy, voting her out at the first Tribal Council. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Under normal conditions, someone who’s bossy or pushy can come across as arrogant and annoying. — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

boss entry 6

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1882, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bossy

• bossy-boots

Rhymes for bossy

• aussie
• basi
• fossae
• glossy
• khasi
• lossy
• masi
• mossy
• posse
• quasi
• saucy
• bagasse

Kids Definition

bossy

adjective

ˈbȯ-sē

bossier; bossiest

: fond of ordering people around : domineering

bossiness noun