bustling

adjective

bus·​tling ˈbəs-liŋ How to pronounce bustling (audio)
ˈbə-sə-
Synonyms of bustling
: full of lively activity : busily astir
a bustling market
bustling streets
Commercial ships and recreational boats were serviced by a bustling marine industry.—AAG Abstracts
bustlingly adverb
a bustlingly busy area

Synonyms of bustling

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Examples of bustling in a Sentence

a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season
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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.
Another showed Sessa and Woodall working behind the scenes in a bustling kitchen. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 On Friday mornings, a historic church in Overtown becomes a bustling kitchen. — Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 Inspired by Charleston’s public and private gardens, this hotel is a charming getaway tucked right into Charleston’s bustling historic district. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 9 June 2026 Not only does its feminine floral pattern and flattering pleated design create an eye-catching touch to any outfit, but the elastic waistband also delivers all-day comfort and ease, even on the most bustling travel days. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bustling

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bustling was in 1582

Rhymes for bustling

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Browse Nearby Words

bustline
bustling
busto
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Cite this Entry

“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bustling. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bustling

Nglish: Translation of bustling for Spanish Speakers

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