Definition of bust
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
art
: a sculptured representation of the upper part of the human figure including the head and neck and usually part of the shoulders and breast
has a bust of Abraham Lincoln in his office
2
: the upper part of the human torso between neck and waist
especially
: the breasts of a woman
her bust size
bust
verb
busted also bust; busting
Definition of bust (Entry 2 of 4)
1a
: to break or smash especially with force
bust a window
also
: to make inoperative
busted my watch
b
: to bring an end to : break up
helped bust trusts — Newsweek
—often used with up better not try to bust up his happy marriage — Forbes
c
: to ruin financially
the game of cheaters, which has busted more men than blackjack— Arthur Mayse
e
: to tease or give a hard time to
—often used in phrases like bust one's chops I'm just busting your chops.
2
: tame
bronco busting
3
: demote
busted them to the bottom of the seniority list — Time
6
informal
: to execute or perform (a difficult, elaborate, or acrobatic movement, as when dancing)
bust a dance move Hot Hot Heat's jittery, caffeinated rhythms and disco grooves are helping persuade punk kids to bust a move …— Christian Hoard
bust
noun (2)Definition of bust (Entry 3 of 4)
1a
: spree
b
: a hearty drinking session
a beer bust
2a
: a complete failure : flop
4
law enforcement, slang
a
: a police raid (see raid entry 1 sense 2b)
b
: arrest sense 1
made a couple of drug busts
bust
adjective
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for bust
The first known use of bust was in 1639
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