burst at the seams

phrase

: to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of burst at the seams was in 1902

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burst

burst at the seams

bursten

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Style

“Burst at the seams.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burst%20at%20the%20seams. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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burst at the seams

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