First Known Use: 1720
Dictionary
hustle
verb hus·tle \ˈhə-səl\
: to quickly move or push (someone) often in a rough way
: to move or work in a quick and energetic way
: to play a sport with a lot of energy and effort
hus·tledhus·tling \ˈhə-s(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of HUSTLE
transitive verb
2
a : to obtain by energetic activity <hustle up new customers> b : to sell something to or obtain something from by energetic and especially underhanded activity <hustling the suckers> c : to sell or promote energetically and aggressively <hustling a new product> d : to lure less skillful players into competing against oneself at (a gambling game) <hustle pool>
intransitive verb
3
a : to make strenuous efforts to obtain especially money or business b : to obtain money by fraud or deception c : to engage in prostitution
4
: to play a game or sport in an alert aggressive manner
— hustle noun
— hus·tler \ˈhə-slər\ noun
See hustle defined for English-language learners
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Origin of HUSTLE
Dutch husselen to shake, from Middle Dutch hutselen, frequentative of hutsen
Related to HUSTLE
HUSTLING Defined for Kids
1hustle
verb hus·tle \ˈhə-səl\
hus·tledhus·tling
Definition of HUSTLE for Kids
1
: to push, crowd, or force forward roughly <Officers hustled the prisoner to jail.>
2
: to move or work rapidly and tirelessly <They're hustling to get the job done.> <He hustled back to class.>
2hustle
noun
Definition of HUSTLE for Kids
: energetic activity <The hustle and bustle of the school day began.>
Learn More About HUSTLE
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Next Word in the Dictionary: hustle–bustlePrevious Word in the Dictionary: hustingsAll Words Near: hustle
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