bus

noun

ˈbəs 

plural buses also busses

often attributive

1

a

: a large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers usually along a fixed route according to a schedule

took the bus to work

double-decker buses

waiting at the bus stop

b

: automobile

2

: a small hand truck

3

a

electrical engineering : bus bar

b

computers : a set of parallel conductors (see conductor sense d(1)) in a computer system that forms a main transmission path

4

: a spacecraft or missile that carries one or more detachable devices (such as warheads)

see also:

throw (someone) under the bus

Did you know?

The History of Bus

In 1661, mathematician Blaise Pascal conceived the world’s first bus service, proposing that a number of coaches should “circulate along predetermined routes in Paris at regular intervals regardless of the number of people,” and pick up passengers for a small fixed fare. The word bus is short for omnibus, which means “for everyone.” Bus was first used in this sense in the 1830s, its "everyone" meaning referencing the fact that anyone could join the coach along its route, unlike with stagecoaches, which had to be pre-booked.

Synonyms of bus

• car
• automobile
• machine
• wheels

Examples of bus in a Sentence

She boarded a bus in Nashville.

Are you traveling by train or by bus?

Recent Examples on the Web

The share of ads on New York City subways and buses from tech companies jumped 50% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year ago, as AI startups try to win over the world’s finance capital. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 29 May 2026

Free service on RideKC Starting June 1, RideKC will end free bus service for most riders and charge fares beginning at $2 for single rides. —Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026

Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026

Additionally, the administration lists an E&P bus’ involvement in a 2024 crash in which nine were injured; fault is not indicated. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for omnibus

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bus

• bus bar
• bus pass
• bus stop
• motor bus
• school bus
• throw (someone) under the bus

Rhymes for bus

• buss
• cuss
• fuss
• glace
• huss
• plus
• pus
• russ
• sus
• suss
• thus
• truss

Kids Definition

bus

1 of 2 noun

ˈbəs 

plural buses also busses

1

: a large motor vehicle for carrying passengers

2

: a conductor or group of conductors for collecting electric currents and sending them to outgoing wires

bus

2 of 2 verb

bused also bussed; busing also bussing

: to travel or transport by bus