buster

noun

bust·​er ˈbə-stər How to pronounce buster (audio)
1
a
chiefly Midland US : someone or something extraordinary
a buster of a breakfastHarriet B. Stowe
b
: an unusually sturdy child
c
often capitalized : fellow
usually used as a form of address
hey buster, come here
2
chiefly Australia : a sudden violent wind often coming from the south
3
: one that breaks, breaks up, or eliminates something
crime busters
: such as
a
: plow
b
[short for broncobuster] : a person who breaks horses
4
: a bad fall

Examples of buster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That may be frustrating for casual fans who tune in only during the NCAA Tournament to see bracket busters and no-name teams pull off upsets. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 For those still doubting gold’s strength, the real bracket buster is happening in the markets, and gold is cutting down the nets. Bob Haber, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Top 5 … favorite men’s NCAA tournament first-round bracket busters 5. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2025 The big picture: Tensions between the U.S. and its northern neighbors have peaked under the Trump administration, with the president and others — including his billionaire budget buster — mocking the U.S. ally and questioning its sovereignty. Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buster

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of buster was in 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Buster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buster. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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