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Definition of jostle

jostle

/ˈdʒɑːs.əl/
jos · tle
Plural:jostles
•
Past Simple:jostled
•
Past Participle:jostled
•
Present Participle:jostling
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jostle Lexical Profile

jostle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly, typically in a crowd.

Example

"Commuters jostled one another as they hurried to board the morning train."

2

To struggle or compete forcefully for a position, advantage, or recognition.

Example

"Several tech startups are jostling for dominance in the emerging renewable energy market."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The act of pushing, elbowing, or bumping against someone roughly, especially in a crowd.

Example

"A sudden jostle near the train doors caused him to drop his briefcase."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for jostle

• Nearby Words

josephine falls
josh
jostaberry
jostle
jot
jotter
jotting

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 15th century from 'joust' (from Old French 'jouster', meaning to tilt or come together in combat) combined with the frequentative suffix '-le', literally denoting repeated bumping or colliding.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jostle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jostle
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