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View synonyms for

bustle

1

[ buhs-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

bustled, bustling.
  1. to move or act with a great show of energy (often followed by about ):

    He bustled about cooking breakfast.

  2. to abound or teem with something; display an abundance of something (often followed by with ):

    The office bustled with people and activity.



verb (used with object)

bustled, bustling.
  1. to cause to bustle; hustle.

noun

  1. thriving or energetic activity; stir; ferment.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,

bustle

2

[ buhs-uhl ]

noun

  1. fullness around or below the waist of a dress, as added by a peplum, bows, ruffles, etc.
  2. a pad, cushion, or framework formerly worn under the back of a woman's skirt to expand, support, and display the full cut and drape of a dress.

bustle

1

/ ˈʌə /

verb

  1. whenintr, often foll by about to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. energetic and noisy activity
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bustle

2

/ ˈʌə /

noun

  1. a cushion or a metal or whalebone framework worn by women in the late 19th century at the back below the waist in order to expand the skirt
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲٱ, noun
  • ˈܲٱԲ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲ·ٱ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bustle1

First recorded in 1615–25; Middle English bustelen “to hurry aimlessly along,” perhaps akin to Old Norse busla “to splash about, bustle”

Origin of bustle2

First recorded in 1780–90; origin uncertain
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bustle1

C16: probably from obsolete buskle to make energetic preparation, from dialect busk from Old Norse ū to prepare

Origin of bustle2

C18: of unknown origin
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The basilica sits near the Colosseum, a stone's throw from the city's endlessly bustling and chaotic central Termini station - well beyond the limits of the Vatican, where popes are traditionally entombed.

From

The normally bustling border crossing of Kasumulu remained noticeably quieter than usual with drivers seen relaxing in the shade of trees, while others played draughts or lounged in the back of their lorries.

From

It is a short walk from some of Rome's most recognisable landmarks like the Colosseum, and a stone's throw from the city's endlessly bustling and chaotic central Termini station.

From

There's an eerie silence in areas that once bustled with tourist activity.

From

They took us to a bustling vegetable market, where I asked people about their lives.

From

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