Meaning & Definition of word "Busy"

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    Busy

    /ˈbɪzi/

    adjective:

    • 1. actively carrying out a task or engaged in an activity.
      • Example: She is too busy to attend the meeting today.
    • 2. having a great deal to do; occupied.
      • Example: He keeps a busy schedule with work and family commitments.
    • 3. crowded with activity or occupied.
      • Example: The streets were busy with holiday shoppers.
    • 4. involved in a lot of work or activity.
      • Example: My parents are always busy with their gardening projects.
    • 5. not free; used to refer to a phone line that is engaged.
      • Example: I tried calling her, but the line was busy.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old English bisig.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    busy as a bee:

    Extremely busy or active.

    busy signal:

    A telephone signal indicating the line is engaged.

    busy work:

    Tasks that keep a person busy but are not productive.

    Related Words

    bustling:

    Full of energetic and noisy activity.

    hustle:

    To move or act energetically or busily.

    Slang Meanings of busy

    Meaning: Swamped

    Example Sentence: I'm swamped with work right now.

    Meaning: Booked

    Example Sentence: I'm all booked up this week.

    Meaning: In the thick of it

    Example Sentence: I'm in the thick of it with all these deadlines.