# rushing

/ˈɹəʃɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌʃɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rushing
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. a sudden surge

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden, fast movement of something, like water or air.

For teachers: a rapid surging motion or a sudden, forceful flow of a fluid or crowd.

- The rushing of the river could be heard from our campsite.
- A sudden rushing of air through the ventilation shaft suggested that the primary fans had finally been restarted.

### 3. fast-moving

adjective · CEFR B1

moving very quickly, usually describing water or wind.

For teachers: characterised by rapid flow or surging movement.

- Be careful when crossing the rushing stream after the heavy rain.
- The hikers were mesmerised by the rushing waterfalls that cascaded down the granite cliffs after the spring thaw.

### 4. busy or full of activity

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

very busy and full of people moving around.

For teachers: characterised by intense activity or haste; often used to describe a business or social environment.

- The restaurant had a rushing trade during the holiday weekend.
- Despite the economic downturn, the local market maintained a rushing business throughout the festive season.

## Examples

- All this rushing is making me feel very tired.
- The morning rushing to get the children to school on time often leaves the parents exhausted before work starts.
- Constant rushing through complex administrative tasks inevitably leads to clerical errors that require significantly more time to rectify than the initial haste saved.

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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.