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

Some honorable mentions include The Bad Apple and its creative burger lineup, Greek corner spot Avli Taverna, the bustling Armitage Alehouse, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! — Nicole Schnitzler, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

This spot has been bustling since Jim and June Gerdig gave it life in 1960 and has shown no signs of slowing down in the many decades since. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Noun

In July, Sweetin opened up about her desire to leave the hustle and bustle of Hollywood nearly 40 years after landing her breakout role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC sitcom Full House. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Located in the heart of it all, the home’s terrace overlooks the medina rooftops, Koutobia Mosque and the Atlas Mountains, but still feels a world away from the city’s bustle. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 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