bustle

1 of 3

verb

bus·​tle ˈbə-səl 

bustled; bustling ˈbəs-liŋ 

ˈbə-sə-

intransitive verb

1

: to move briskly and often ostentatiously

bustled around the kitchen

2

: to be busily astir : teem

The house was bustling with activity.

bustle

2 of 3

noun (1)

: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity

the hustle and bustle of the big city

bustle

3 of 3

noun (2)

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

Synonyms of bustle

Verb

• burst
• buzz
• hum
• bulge

Noun (1)

• commotion
• disturbance
• hurry
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• noise

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

Verb

Designed by French icons Jean Nouvel and the late Thierry Despont, the property soars 1,050 feet over bustling Midtown Manhattan and the Museum of Modern Art. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Laredo boasts a bustling commercial border crossing, and small businesses and Mexican restaurants dot the downtown. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

Amid the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, Samuel Gui Yang has created a quiet alcove as the Chinese brand’s first retail outpost. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Amid the hustle and bustle of Frieze London, where champagne bottles pop and deals are orchestrated, Brazilian abstract artist Marina Perez Simão wants to invite guests to contemplate inside a spaceship in Pace Gallery’s booth. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun (1)

probably alteration of obsolete buskle to prepare, frequentative of busk, from Old Norse būask to prepare oneself

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1637, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1782, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bustle

• hustle and bustle

Rhymes for bustle

• hustle
• muscle
• mussel
• russel
• rustle
• trussell
• tussle
• mofussil

Kids 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