busking

American  

[buhs-king] / bʌs kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of entertaining by dancing, singing, juggling, etc., on the street or in a public place.

   When I lived and studied in London for a year and a half, I brought my guitar along and did some busking in the streets.

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adjective

1. engaged in this kind of public entertainment.

   My interviewee was late meeting me in the square, so while waiting I struck up a conversation with a busking musician.

Etymology

Origin of busking

First recorded in 1770–80; busk ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; busk ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

And then there are some activities, like busking, that are allowed only at designated spots, and aspiring performers must pass auditions judged by a panel from the National Arts Council.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

From the musicians busking along Venice Beach to the intimate shows at Winston House, music is part of the fabric of Venice.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

It is understood Westminster City Council will explore its grounds of appeal and revisions to its busking and street entertainment licensing regime.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

Segarra grew up in the Bronx and left home just after turning 17, eventually ending up busking in a street band in New Orleans and riding freight trains during the hottest Louisiana months.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2024

I belonged in a city with a constant stream of traffic noise, busy pedestrians, and musicians busking on the sidewalk.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi