English Dictionary

Definition of “bustle”

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1bustle1 (ˈbʌsəllPronunciation for bustle1) 

Definitions

verb

  1.  when intr, often foll by about to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity

noun

  1. energetic and noisy activity

Alternative Forms

ˈbustler noun ˈbustling adjective

Word Origin

C16: probably from obsolete buskle  to make energetic preparation, from dialect busk  from Old Norse būask to prepare

2bustle2 (ˈbʌsəllPronunciation for bustle2) 

Definitions

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

Word Origin

C18: of unknown origin

Usage examples

  • She proposed a walk along the front, away from the holiday bustle , the family scenes, the fractious palm trees.
    Robert Wilson, THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS (2002)
  • Pick a clear day in Mumbai, factor out the hustle and bustle of warm bodies going someplace else, and listen.
    Business Today (2001)
  • I have stepped in from the realm of gleaming Hong Kong skyscrapers, traffic and bustle , and am in another world.
    The Australian (2004)
  • A few days on the Hawkesbury, a 90-minute drive from Sydney, are a welcome break from the bustle of the city.
    Independent (1999)
  • For once the noise and bustle of the town seemed worrisome to Ruby.
    Alexandra Connor, THE TURN OF THE TIDE (2004)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'B'

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