boisterous

[ boi-ster-uhs, -struhs ]

adjective

1. rough and noisy; noisily jolly or rowdy; clamorous; unrestrained:

   the sound of boisterous laughter.

   Synonyms: wild, violent, turbulent, tumultuous, tempestuous, impetuous, vociferous, loud, obstreperous, uproarious

   Antonyms: serene, calm

2. (of waves, weather, wind, etc.) rough and stormy.

   Synonyms: wild, violent, turbulent, tumultuous, tempestuous

   Antonyms: serene, calm

3. Obsolete. rough and massive.

boisterous

/ -strəs; ˈbɔɪstərəs /

adjective

1. noisy and lively; unrestrained or unruly
2. (of the wind, sea, etc) turbulent or stormy

Derived Forms

• ˈboisterousness, noun
• ˈboisterously, adverb

Other Words From

• boister·ous·ly adverb
• boister·ous·ness noun
• un·boister·ous adjective
• un·boister·ous·ly adverb
• un·boister·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boisterous¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English boistrous, variant of Middle English boistous “crude, fierce, gross, strong”; of obscure origin; possibly from Old French boisteus “lame,” from boist(e) “box,” also “cavity containing an organ, cavity in a bone” (ultimately from Late Latin buxis; box ¹( def ) ) + -eus -eous ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of boisterous¹

C13 boistuous , of unknown origin

Example Sentences

“We wanted a buzzy atmosphere that represented that kind of vibrant, boisterous nature.”

From New York Times

Hernández may just be a regular, funny guy who got a chance at “SNL” but his ability to use his enthusiastic and boisterous boyish charm makes him the show’s greatest new talent in years.

From Salon

The sincerity that he brings, and my ... let’s call it boisterous, manic, boy-like, energy … was just a whole lot of fun.

From Los Angeles Times

He described them as "young, boisterous lads" who were "well mannered", "well behaved" and loved.

From BBC

He was bothered by Trump’s boisterous comments and attacks on freedom of the press.

From Salon

Related Words

• clamorous
• loud
• rambunctious
• raucous
• riotous
• rollicking
• rowdy
• strident
• unruly
• uproarious
• vociferous