bustle

¹ American  

[buhs-uhl] / ˈbʌs əl /

verb (used without object)

bustled, bustling

1. to move or act with a great show of energy (often followed byabout ).

   He bustled about cooking breakfast.

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

   The office bustled with people and activity.

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verb (used with object)

bustled, bustling

1. to cause to bustle; hustle.

noun

1. thriving or energetic activity; stir; ferment.

   Synonyms:

   fuss, agitation, flurry, ado, teem, overflow, brim

bustle ² American  

[buhs-uhl] / ˈbʌs əl /

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.

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bustle ¹ British  

/ ˈbʌsəl /

verb

1. to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity

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noun

1. energetic and noisy activity

bustle ² British  

/ ˈbʌsəl /

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

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Other Word Forms

• bustled adjective
• bustler noun
• bustling adjective

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

It's a style he developed in the hustle and bustle of his busy Bronx home.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

I know it’s time for a spring refresh when the bustle of holiday and winter cooking starts to linger.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

It’s hard for us to feel isolated amid the city’s bustle of humanity that we find invigorating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

The sun is warm, the breeze is cool and the peaceful bustle feeds the atmosphere at Canyon Coffee.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Through the window, I watched men and women in smart outfits—in suits and skirts and clicking heels—carrying their coffee to work with a bustle of self-importance.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• commotion
• hubbub
• tumult