bossy

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ˈbȯ-sē How to pronounce bossy (audio) ˈbä- How to pronounce bossy (audio)
bossier; bossiest
Synonyms of bossynext
: inclined to domineer : dictatorial
bossiness noun

bossy

2 of 3

adjective (2)

ˈbä-sē How to pronounce bossy (audio) ˈbȯ- How to pronounce bossy (audio)
1
: marked by a swelling or roundness
2
: marked by bosses : studded

bossy

3 of 3

noun

ˈbȯ-sē How to pronounce bossy (audio) ˈbä- How to pronounce bossy (audio)
plural bossies
: cow, calf

Synonyms of bossy

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Adjective (1)

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Examples of bossy in a Sentence

Adjective (1) I don't want to work with him because he's so bossy and always runs roughshod over me
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Kim was effusive and bossy, running her multibillion-dollar business in a bathrobe, two gay men pulling at her hair and face. — Jonathan Van Meter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Debb tried to take control of the Kucha tribe early, but the others weren’t having it and saw her as bossy, voting her out at the first Tribal Council. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 Under normal conditions, someone who’s bossy or pushy can come across as arrogant and annoying. — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 The gang has gathered, at the behest of Izzy’s bossy, flirty childhood friend Chaya (Zoë Winters), for an intervention. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bossy

Word History

Etymology

Noun

boss entry 6

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1882, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bossy was in 1543

Phrases Containing bossy

Rhymes for bossy

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Browse Nearby Words

Bossuet
bossy
bossy-boots
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Cite this Entry

“Bossy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bossy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bossy

adjective
ˈbȯ-sē
bossier; bossiest
: fond of ordering people around : domineering
bossiness noun
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