First Known Use: 1580
Dictionary
1bustle
verb bus·tle \ˈbə-səl\
: to move or go in a busy or hurried way
: to have a lot of busy activity
bus·tledbus·tling \ˈbəs-liŋ, ˈbə-sə-\
Full Definition of BUSTLE
intransitive verb
1
: to move briskly and often ostentatiously
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Origin of BUSTLE
probably alteration of obsolete buskle to prepare, frequentative of busk, from Old Norse būask to prepare oneself
Related to BUSTLE
2bustle
noun
Definition of BUSTLE
: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity <the hustle and bustle of the big city>
First Known Use of BUSTLE
1621
3bustle
noun
Definition of BUSTLE
: a pad or framework expanding and supporting the fullness and drapery of the back of a woman's skirt or dress; also : the drapery so supported
Origin of BUSTLE
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1786
Other Clothing Terms
BUSTLING Defined for Kids
1bustle
verb bus·tle \ˈbə-səl\
bus·tledbus·tling
Definition of BUSTLE for Kids
: to move about in a busy or noisy way
2bustle
noun
Definition of BUSTLE for Kids
: busy or noisy activity
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