verb
jostle
JOS-uhl
Jostle (verb) means to bump or push against someone while moving, often in a crowd. Example: “Commuters jostled each other to get onto the packed train.”
verb
1
To bump or push against someone while moving, often in a crowd.
"Commuters jostled each other to get onto the packed train."
"He was jostled by the crowd surging toward the stage."
2
To compete or struggle with others to get or achieve something.
"The candidates jostled for position in the polls."
"Reporters jostled for the best spot to snap a photo."
noun
1
A rough push or shove, or the general shoving of a crowd.
"There was a bit of jostle getting off the bus."
How to use jostle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo push and shove, literally in a crowd or figuratively when competing for something.
Common pairings
jostle for position
jostle through the crowd
elbow and jostle
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like jostle.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- jostles
- Third person singular
- jostles
- Past tense
- jostled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Commuters _____ each other to get onto the packed train.
Etymology
From an older word "justle", related to "joust" — originally meaning to clash or come into contact.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for jostle
See all rhymes for jostle →Frequently asked questions
What does “jostle” mean?
The word “jostle” means to bump or push against someone while moving, often in a crowd. In plain terms, to push and shove, literally in a crowd or figuratively when competing for something.
How do you pronounce “jostle”?
“Jostle” is pronounced JOS-uhl (/ˈd͡ʒɑ.səl/ in IPA).
How do you use “jostle” in a sentence?
Here is “jostle” used in a sentence: “Commuters jostled each other to get onto the packed train.”
What part of speech is “jostle”?
Depending on how it is used, “jostle” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “jostle” have?
“Jostle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bump or push against someone while moving, often in a crowd.
