be bursting
idiom
1
: to be filled with something
The crate was bursting with fruit.
The dish is bursting with flavors.
Her parents were practically bursting with pride.
2
: to want very much to do (something one is not yet able to do)
I'm bursting to tell you the news, but I have to talk to Ken first.
3
British, informal
: to need to urinate very badly
Examples of be bursting in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under his arm were several binders which seemed to be bursting at their seams.
—
Alicia Park, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Extra Winter Accessories Your coat closet shouldn't be bursting at the seam with outwear accessories, either.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Transitioning your snack lineup is always a fun way to celebrate the arrival of a new season, and the ALDI Finds aisle is about to be bursting with pumpkin spice, maple, caramel, and apple.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Technique is great and all, but any story about parents and children, especially in such extreme circumstances, should be bursting with emotional resonance and humanity.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 July 2025
And the music videos, as usual, will be bursting full of bright colors and energy similar to a children’s pizza party right before nap time.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Neighborhoods around San Diego will be bursting with colorful costumes, elaborate ofrendas (or altars), live music and dancing this weekend for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
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Alicia Park, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Extra Winter Accessories Your coat closet shouldn't be bursting at the seam with outwear accessories, either.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Transitioning your snack lineup is always a fun way to celebrate the arrival of a new season, and the ALDI Finds aisle is about to be bursting with pumpkin spice, maple, caramel, and apple.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Technique is great and all, but any story about parents and children, especially in such extreme circumstances, should be bursting with emotional resonance and humanity.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 July 2025
And the music videos, as usual, will be bursting full of bright colors and energy similar to a children’s pizza party right before nap time.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Neighborhoods around San Diego will be bursting with colorful costumes, elaborate ofrendas (or altars), live music and dancing this weekend for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Be bursting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20bursting. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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