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
• domineering
• arrogant
• authoritative
• overbearing

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

The character, Olivia’s bossy butler, is one of the greatest parts in Shakespeare, and Dinklage delights in it. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

Many parents who witness such behavior grow anxious, shout bossy directives, or declare the ball off-limits entirely. —Henry Abbott, The Atlantic, 12 July 2025

August begins with Mars’ debut in Libra, energizing your bossy 10th house of authority, career and reputation in the world, prompting you to focus on your professional life and public image, which leaves little time for romance. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Moreover, some toddlers can also be quite bossy and demand that pretend play reaches their standards of entertainment and originality, instructing parents on the intricacies of the backstory and dialogue. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 July 2025

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

Rhymes for bossy

• aussie
• basi
• fossae
• glossy
• khasi
• lossy
• masi
• mossy
• posse
• quasi
• saucy
• bagasse

Kids Definition

bossy

adjective

ˈbȯ-sē

bossier; bossiest

: fond of ordering people around : domineering

bossiness noun