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

Now, the actress is set to portray the bossy stage mother in the forthcoming Broadway revival, which begins previews on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Majestic Theatre in New York City ahead of its official opening on Thursday, Dec. 19. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Pluto will also enter Aquarius on Nov. 19, activating your bossy 10th house of career — until 2044 — which comes with a series of transformative experiences and breakthroughs. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

The writers struggle a bit more to settle on an arc for Liz (Christa Miller), Jimmy’s bossy, buttinsky neighbor. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 15 Oct. 2024

With Venus in Sagittarius shining a light on your bossy 10th house of publicity, reputation and career matters, love and romance may suddenly intertwine with your professional pursuits. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Oct. 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