First Known Use: 1645
Dictionary
1bust
noun \ˈbəst\
Definition of BUST
1
: a sculptured representation of the upper part of the human figure including the head and neck and usually part of the shoulders and breast
2
: the upper part of the human torso between neck and waist; especially : the breasts of a woman
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Origin of BUST
French buste, from Italian busto, from Latin bustum tomb
Other Anatomy Terms
2bust
verb
bust·ed also bustbust·ing
Definition of BUST
transitive verb
1
a : to break or smash especially with force; also : to make inoperative <busted my watch> b : to bring an end to : break up <helped bust trusts — Newsweek> —often used with up <better not try to bust up his happy marriage — Forbes> c : to ruin financially d : exhaust, wear out —used in phrases like bust one's butt to describe making a strenuous effort e : to give a hard time to —often used in phrases like bust one's chops
2
: tame <bronco busting>
3
: demote
intransitive verb
1
: to go broke
2
a : burst <laughing fit to bust> b : break down
3
a : to lose at cards by exceeding a limit (as the count of 21 in blackjack) b : to fail to complete a straight or flush in poker
See bust defined for English-language learners
Origin of BUST
alteration of burst
First Known Use: 1806
3bust
noun
Definition of BUST
1
a : spree b : a hearty drinking session <a beer bust>
2
a : a complete failure : flop b : a business depression
4
First Known Use of BUST
1840
4bust
adjective \ˈbəs-təd\
Definition of BUST
See bust defined for English-language learners
Variants of BUST
bust or bust·ed \ˈbəs-təd\
First Known Use of BUST
1837
BUSTED Defined for Kids
1bust
noun \ˈbəst\
Definition of BUST for Kids
1
: a piece of sculpture representing the upper part of the human figure including the head and neck
2
: a woman's bosom
2bust
verb
bust·edbust·ing
Definition of BUST for Kids
1
: to hit with the fist <I'm sorry I busted your nose. — Carl Hiaasen, Hoot>
2
: 1break 1
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