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boisterous

/ˈbɔɪstərəs/
/ˈbɔɪstrəs/
IPA guide

Boisterous is a word used to describe someone spirited, loud, and slightly out of control — like someone with a spring in their step and a song in their heart singing to strangers on the street.

Boisterous means "loud, clamorous, and unrestrained." Think of children on a playground or a lively party or a litter of puppies as boisterous. This word, which comes from Middle English, can also refer to very intense storms. You could call a hurricane boisterous, but you will most likely hear this word used to describe people.

Definitions of boisterous
  1. adjective
    full of rough and exuberant animal spirits
    boisterous practical jokes”
    synonyms: knockabout
    spirited
    displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness
  2. adjective
    noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
    “a boisterous crowd”
    disorderly
    undisciplined and unruly
  3. adjective
    violently agitated and turbulent
    boisterous winds and waves”
    synonyms: fierce, rough
    stormy
    (especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘boisterous'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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