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

The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

Based on Arthur Schnitzler’s 1890’s novella, Burch has modernized it and changed the Vienna setting to New York City’s Soho district, a once-bustling enclave for artists and poets and now something quite different. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

The hustle and bustle of it all, while often exhausting, is also familiar. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The show went into production in April and shot during the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year to capture some of the hustle and bustle of the iconic event. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 Aug. 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