bustled; bustling
ˈbəs-liŋ 
ˈbə-sə-
1
: to move briskly and often ostentatiously
bustled around the kitchen
2
: to be busily astir : teem
The house was bustling with activity.
: noisy, energetic, and often obtrusive activity
the hustle and bustle of the big city
clothing
: a pad or framework expanding and supporting the fullness and drapery of the back of a woman's skirt or dress
the bustle of a 19th century wedding gown
also
: the drapery so supported
Examples of bustle in a Sentence
Verb
She bustled around the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests.
on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop
Noun (1)
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
The bustling city also makes the perfect home base for a host of fascinating day trips.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Perched at about 6,200 feet, away from the hustle and bustle of the village, Restaurant La Marlénaz offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the ski resort.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
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Verb
Picture a waterfront bustling with bobbing fishing boats and the air tinged with the scent of fresh seafood, as San Hing Praya Street and Pak She Praya Road dish out alfresco dining scenes straight out of a sunset lover's dream.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
The bustling city also makes the perfect home base for a host of fascinating day trips.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
Set the scene Palm Springs has long been a retreat for those seeking a restorative weekend away from the bustle of nearby Los Angeles and, come winter when the temps dip in most places around the States, those desperate for a dose of winter sun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Perched at about 6,200 feet, away from the hustle and bustle of the village, Restaurant La Marlénaz offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the ski resort.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bustle. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bustle
1 of 2 verb
bus·tle
ˈbəs-əl
bustled; bustling
ˈbəs-(ə-)liŋ
: to move about busily or noisily
bustle
2 of 2 noun
: noisy or energetic activity
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