noun
hustler
HUHS-luhr
noun
1
A person who works energetically and resourcefully, especially to make money.
"He's a natural hustler, always finding a new way to make a sale."
2
A con artist or swindler.
"The pool hall was full of hustlers looking to fleece newcomers."
3
A prostitute (informal, often referring to a male prostitute).
"The film follows a young hustler trying to survive on the streets."
How to Use Hustler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who works hard and cleverly to get ahead, though it can also mean a con artist or (informally) a prostitute, depending on context.
When to use it
The positive "hard worker" sense is casual/business slang; other senses are informal or slang.
Word Forms
hustlers plural
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He's a natural _____, always finding a new way to make a sale.
Etymology
Formed from hustle plus the agent suffix -er.