Bustle

Definition

Bustle can function as a noun meaning energetic, noisy activity or commotion; it also denotes the padded framework worn under the back of a woman's dress to support its drapery. As a verb, it means to move or act with energy and haste.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (intransitive/transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈbʌsəl/
• Respelling: BUS-suhl

British English

• IPA: /ˈbʌsəl/
• Respelling: BUS-suhl

Etymology

Mid 16th century (sense “noisy movement”): of imitative origin; sense of dress support “framework under a skirt” first recorded in the 1870s, from English verb sense.

Derivatives

• bustled (verb past)
• bustling (verb gerund/adjective)
• bustler (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• (noun) commotion, hustle, flurry, stir, ado
• (verb) hurry, scurry, bustle about, rush

Antonyms

• (noun) calm, stillness, tranquility, quiet
• (verb) dawdle, linger, idle

Usage

Noun: The noun "bustle" is used in social and fashion contexts to denote lively activity or a skirt support. For example, "There's a constant bustle in the market square," or "Her Victorian gown featured an elegant bustle that accentuated the train."

Verb: As a verb, "to bustle" means to move or work energetically. For example, "She bustled around the kitchen preparing dinner," or "Staff bustle through the corridors of the busy hotel."

Related Terms

• Commotion: A noisy disturbance or fuss.
• Hustle: To move or work rapidly and energetically.
• Petticoat: An underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt.
• Crinoline: A stiffened or hooped petticoat for supporting skirts.
• Ado: Busy activity or fuss.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Energetic, noisy activity or movement – a lively or bustling atmosphere.
  • Example: "The city center was full of bustle during the festival."
• A padded framework for supporting a dress’s back drapery – worn under the skirt to shape and lift the train.
  • Example: "Her wedding dress included a lace-covered bustle to hold the fabric in place."

Verb

• To move or act with energy and haste – to hurry about busily.
  • Example: "He bustled through the airport to catch his flight."
• To fill with busy activity – to create an atmosphere of lively commotion.
  • Example: "The arrival of the parade bustled the entire neighborhood."