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

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

Boisterous cheers erupted with each blue win announced, while a Democratic Party clip criticizing GOP political newcomer Bernie Moreno was met with resounding boos.

From Salon

How, I wondered, did that square with someone who was running what seemed like a good old inclusive and boisterous New York City event?

From Slate

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

Ethel Skakel was born April 11, 1928, in Chicago into a family not unlike the Kennedys — big, boisterous, Catholic and rich.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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