bustled; bustling
ˈbəs-liŋ 
ˈbə-sə-
1
: to move briskly and often ostentatiously
bustled around the kitchen
2
: to be busily astir : teem
The house was bustling with activity.
: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity
the hustle and bustle of the big city
clothing
: a pad or framework expanding and supporting the fullness and drapery of the back of a woman's skirt or dress
the bustle of a 19th century wedding gown
also
: the drapery so supported
Examples of bustle in a Sentence
Verb
She bustled around the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests.
on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop
Noun (1)
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Recent Examples on the Web
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
Wine is embedded in the city’s architecture, history and daily life, from grand 18th-century façades to the bustling quays of the Garonne.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Rich in dynamic biodiversity, the park is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and soak up the stunning natural landscape.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
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Verb
How did this bustling Florida metropolis claim this honor?
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
Wine is embedded in the city’s architecture, history and daily life, from grand 18th-century façades to the bustling quays of the Garonne.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
The bustle of downtown fades away in the quiet round room filled with white marble, bright lighting and a pleasant aroma.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Rich in dynamic biodiversity, the park is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and soak up the stunning natural landscape.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bustle. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bustle
1 of 2 verb
bus·tle
ˈbəs-əl
bustled; bustling
ˈbəs-(ə-)liŋ
: to move about busily or noisily
bustle
2 of 2 noun
: noisy or energetic activity
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