Search Dictionary
Definition of bustling

bustling

/ˈbʌs.lɪŋ/
bus · tling

Adverb:bustlingly
•
Plural:bustlings
JUMP TO:

bustling Lexical Profile

bustling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Full of energetic, noisy, and crowded activity; lively and busy.

Example

"The tourists wandered through the bustling street market in search of local spices and handmade crafts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bustling
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bustling

• noun

1

Excited, hurried, and noisy activity or movement; commotion.

Example

"The constant bustling of the kitchen staff grew louder as the dinner rush approached."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bustling
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bustling

• Rhymes for bustling

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'bustle', which originated in Middle English as 'buskelen' (to prepare oneself or move hurriedly), likely influenced by Old Norse 'buska' (to get ready).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bustling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bustling
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.