hustles; hustled; hustling
ˈhʌsəlɪŋ 
1
: to quickly move or push (someone) often in a rough way
The guards hustled the prisoners into the jail.
The star's manager hustled him out the back door of the theater to avoid the throngs of fans.
She hustled the children (off) to school.
2
chiefly US
a
: to move or work in a quick and energetic way
If we want to catch that bus, we're going to have to hustle. [=rush]
b
: to play a sport with a lot of energy and effort
He's not the most talented player on the team, but he always hustles.
3
US, informal
a
: to get (something, such as money) in an illegal or improper way
She spent her mornings hustling change [=asking people for money] on the sidewalk.
hustling for money
b
: to sell (something illegal, such as drugs)
He's been hustling drugs for a few years.
: to sell (something) in an illegal or improper way
They hustle diamonds, furs—whatever people are buying.
4
informal
a
: to take something and especially money from (someone) by lying or doing something unfair : to swindle or cheat (someone)
She's accused of running an elaborate scam to hustle elderly people.
b
chiefly US
: to earn money by playing (a gambling game) and especially by playing against people who are less skillful than you are
He made a living by hustling pool.
5
US, informal
: to work as a prostitute
plural hustles
1
a
: energetic activity
I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
b
chiefly US
: effort and energy in playing a sport
The fans admire him for his hustle.
2
informal
: a dishonest plan for getting money
She's always trying some kind of hustle [=scam] on the street.
Cite this Entry
“Hustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hustle. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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