bustling

adjective

bus·​tling ˈbəs-liŋ 

ˈbə-sə-

: 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

Synonyms

• active
• assiduous
• busy
• diligent
• employed
• engaged
• hopping
• industrious
• laborious
• occupied
• sedulous
• tied-up
• working

Examples of bustling in a Sentence

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

The ruling People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won an overwhelming number of seats in parliament during elections held on Saturday, reaffirming Singapore’s status as a bustling wealth hub in Asia. —Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

From the bustling city streets of urban centers to the quiet charm of rural communities, the tour will amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, showcasing everything from beloved local traditions to the challenges and triumphs that shape each town’s identity. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025

Born and raised in the bustling Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, Bardauil cites French cuisine as his first love. —AFAR Media, 2 May 2025

Over the last five years, once bustling neighborhoods have become ghost towns. —Vanessa Romo, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bustling

• hustling