noun

busybody

Busybody (noun) means someone who interferes in or gossips about other people's affairs. Example: “The neighborhood busybody always knows everyone's business.”

noun

Someone who interferes in or gossips about other people's affairs.

"The neighborhood busybody always knows everyone's business."

How to Use Busybody

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nosy person who cannot resist poking into other people's affairs.

Common pairings

nosy busybody a real busybody

Word Forms

busybodied past tense, busybodies plural, busybodies singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The neighborhood _____ always knows everyone's business.

Etymology

From busy plus body — literally someone who keeps their "body" busy meddling in others' lives.

Synonyms

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quidnunc nosy-parker nosey-parker

Rhymes for busybody

body Cody Jody woody brody goody moody doody broody nobody melody bloody

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “busybody” mean?

The word “busybody” means someone who interferes in or gossips about other people's affairs. In plain terms, a nosy person who cannot resist poking into other people's affairs.

How do you use “busybody” in a sentence?

Here is “busybody” used in a sentence: “The neighborhood busybody always knows everyone's business.”

What part of speech is “busybody”?

“Busybody” is a noun.