Busy
/ˈbɪzi/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a lot to do; occupied.
/ˈbɪzi/
Occupied or engrossed
She's been busy all day.
💡 Simply: Very occupied or active.
More Examples
The streets are busy during rush hour.
How It's Used
"I'm too busy to go out tonight."
"We have a busy week ahead of us."
Full of activity; crowded.
/ˈbɪzi/
Full of activity
The restaurant was very busy on Saturday night.
💡 Simply: Full of people or activity.
More Examples
It's a busy intersection.
How It's Used
"The marketplace was busy with shoppers."
Idioms & expressions
busybody
A person who is excessively interested in the affairs of others.
"She's such a busybody, always interfering in other people's business."
From Middle English *bisy, from Old English *bisig, from Proto-Germanic *būsiz, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰew-/*bʰeu- (“to be”).
The word 'busy' has been used consistently throughout history to describe being occupied or having much to do. Its usage in describing a place being crowded also has a long history.
Memory tip
Think of bees constantly buzzing around, always active.
Word Origin
"occupied, diligent"