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

As food tourism continues to boom, expect even more meteoric restaurants to shine from beyond bustling metropolitan areas. — Nathan Tavares, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

The atmosphere outside was bustling, with guests congregating around the building before passing through a security checkpoint and entering a strikingly different setting. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Noun

Lincoln’s Rejuvenation Pod invited attendees to step away from the bustle and settle into a moment of calm. — Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026

Free food and drinks, a fresh shower, and the ability to get away from the hustle and bustle of an airport can make a membership feel well worth the price. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 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