busybody

[ biz-ee-bod-ee ]

noun

, plural bus·y·bod·ies.

1. a person who pries into or meddles in the affairs of others.

   Synonyms: meddler, blabbermouth, gossip, Nosy Parker, pry, snoop

busybody

/ ˈbɪzɪˌbɒdɪ /

noun

1. a meddlesome, prying, or officious person

Derived Forms

• ˈbusyˌbodying, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of busybody¹

First recorded in 1520–30; busy + body

Example Sentences

He sometimes came across as a busybody, she said, but many residents thought he was watching out for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

But busybody Louise was already making for the door, peering under it out to the crowded corridor.

From Literature

The nomination process essentially officializes gossip, as various local busybodies suggest women based on hearsay about them and their families.

From New York Times

Local church busybodies who find out a community member donated to an abortion fund can now sue for "aiding and abetting."

From Salon

Apparently, other parents decided they didn't want these busybodies telling them how to educate or raise their kids so they ran against them and won.

From Salon