bustling

1 of 2

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

bustling

2 of 2

present participle of bustle entry 1

Synonyms of bustling

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Adjective

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Examples of bustling in a Sentence

Adjective a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season
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
In the bustling Nyamirambo sector of Kigali, customers at Moses Sansiman's milk bar are spilling out into the street holding large glass mugs full of the creamy white drink. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 That’s exemplified by the expansive outdoor terraces and balconies that appear to hang over the bustling Beltline Eastside Trail. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach appeals to travelers seeking a less bustling atmosphere while still remaining close to the restaurants, entertainment, and attractions of the Grand Strand. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 Once the bustling hub of moviegoing on the Westside of Los Angeles, Westwood’s theaters have gradually shut down over the past few decades. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bustling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bustling was in 1582

Rhymes for bustling

See All Rhymes for bustling

Browse Nearby Words

bustline
bustling
busto
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bustling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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