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
Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
Its 60-mile coastline offers both bustling boardwalks and quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is ideal for families.
—Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
From the secluded and quiet location to the calming interiors, the property embodies the idea of a retreat in every sense, inviting moments of respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
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Verb
The hotel sits in Anacapri, the quieter side of the island, but is just a 20-minute drive from the bustling Piazzetta square.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
Its 60-mile coastline offers both bustling boardwalks and quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is ideal for families.
—Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Noun
Set the scene Frenetic Sandton bustles with traffic, office and residential towers, and commercial enterprises.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
From the secluded and quiet location to the calming interiors, the property embodies the idea of a retreat in every sense, inviting moments of respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 28 May 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 7 Jun. 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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