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

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

The gang has gathered, at the behest of Izzy’s bossy, flirty childhood friend Chaya (Zoë Winters), for an intervention. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

The moon is charging up your bossy 10th house of career, reputation and visibility, putting your ambitions, accomplishments and leadership qualities under the spotlight. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 May 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