bossy

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ˈbȯ-sē  ˈbä- 

bossier; bossiest

: inclined to domineer : dictatorial

bossiness noun

bossy

2 of 3

adjective (2)

ˈbä-sē  ˈbȯ- 

1

: marked by a swelling or roundness

2

: marked by bosses : studded

bossy

3 of 3

noun

ˈbȯ-sē  ˈbä- 

plural bossies

: cow, calf

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• authoritarian
• authoritative
• autocratic
• autocratical
• despotic
• dictatorial
• domineering
• imperious
• masterful
• overbearing
• peremptory
• tyrannical
• tyrannic
• tyrannous

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

Adjective

As the sun and Mercury ignite your bossy 10th house of reputation, ambition and reputation, you’re encouraged to push forward with your professional goals and show the world what you’re made of. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025

As for the dogs themselves, many had bossy personalities. —Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025

Venus in your bossy 10th house of reputation encourages you to opt for something elevated and mature, like a chic dinner at a rooftop restaurant or a black-tie event. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Gabe doesn’t like Zed’s snacks, Sam is a bossy driver with total command of the ancient Impreza’s stereo, and Zed is often misgendered. —Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing bossy

• bossy-boots

Kids Definition

bossy

adjective

ˈbȯ-sē

bossier; bossiest

: fond of ordering people around : domineering

bossiness noun