Bossy
/ˈbɒsi/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Inclined to give orders in a domineering way.
/ˈbɒsi/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
General
Dominating or controlling in a way that is perceived as irritating or overbearing.
He was a bossy child, always ordering his younger brother around.
💡 Simply: Someone who likes to tell others what to do, often in an annoying way.
More Examples
2
Her bossy attitude made it difficult to work with her.
How It's Used
Workplace
"She's a very bossy manager, always telling everyone what to do."
Family
"The older sibling was bossy and always wanted their way."
Derived from "boss" + -y (suffix indicating a characteristic or tendency). The use of "boss" to mean a person in charge evolved in the late 19th century.
The word's usage increased significantly in the 20th century, reflecting changing social dynamics and workplace interactions.
Memory tip
Think of a boss who is overly controlling.
Practice
Base: boss
bosybossy's
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written