# bossy

/ˈbɔsi/ (US) · /bˈɒsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bossy
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. telling others what to do

adjective · CEFR B1 · Informal

always telling other people what to do, often when you have no right to give orders.

For teachers: inclined to give orders or dominate others, especially in a manner that is perceived as intrusive or overbearing.

- My older sister is very bossy and always tells me how to dress.
- The project manager's bossy attitude alienated the creative team, as she frequently dictated minor details that were outside her area of expertise.

Usage: Usually used to describe a person's character or a specific behavior.

Teaching tip: This word often carries a negative or critical tone; it is rarely used as a compliment.

## Examples

- She is very bossy and always tells me what to do.
- My younger brother is quite bossy when he plays with his friends, even though he is only six.
- While her bossy nature can be frustrating for her colleagues, it is precisely this drive that makes her an effective leader in high-pressure environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.