Meaning & Definition of word "Busy"

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.