busy1 adjectivebusy2 verb
busybus‧y1 /ˈbɪzi/ ●●● S1 W2 adjective (comparative busier, superlative busiest) 
WORD ORIGINbusy1
Origin:
Old English bisigEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a busy airport
- a busy freeway
- Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.
- Critics say the mayor is too busy campaigning to do his job properly.
- Even though it was eight o'clock the market was still busy.
- He's retired now, but his work for the youth club keeps him busy.
- I'm going to bed. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.
- I'm kind of busy now, can I call you back?
- I've been trying to call the customer helpline, but all I'm getting is a busy signal.
- I called Mom again, but it was still busy.
- It's busy. I'll call again later.
- July is our busiest month, when all the tourists come.
- Not now Stephen, I'm busy.
- Paris nowadays is a busy and crowded metropolis.
- Restaurant managers often employ temporary staff at busy times of the year.
- She's a busy mother of four with a full time job.
- She's very busy -- it's her daughter's wedding next week.
- She tried to call Lisa, but the phone was busy.
- Boots' progress was accompanied by a variety of stories as in often busy trading the shares gained 9p to 294p.
- Everyone else was busy, so I launched the small rubber dinghy and started rowing.
- I decided I would urge her to take some time off, what with the busy holiday season looming ahead.
- In the words of one interviewee: You're just too busy.
- Its 77 buildings containing 430 apartments are laid out in drab-looking rows along busy Van Nuys Boulevard.
- Richards came back and signalled clearly, but Tribe was busy with his gun again.
- They pretty much run the place themselves, relying on occasional help only on busy weekends.
- They were too busy taking money out.
THESAURUSperson
if you are busy, you have a lot of things you need to do: · Sorry I haven’t called you, but I’ve been really busy.· a busy housewife· Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.· Not now Stephen, I’m busy.· Alex is busy studying for his exams.
[not before noun] British English spoken very busy and in a hurry, because you have too many things to do: · We’ve been absolutely rushed off our feet getting ready for our son’s birthday party.
[not before noun] so busy that you can hardly deal with all the work you have to do: · I can’t stop for lunch today – I’m completely snowed under.· We’ve been snowed under with applications for the job.
[not before noun] informal extremely busy because you have a lot of work to deal with: · Teachers say they are up to their ears in paperwork and don’t have enough time for teaching.
[not before noun] busy in your job, so that you cannot do anything else: · I’m sorry, but he’s tied up at the moment. Could you call back later?· I can’t see you tomorrow: I’m tied up all day.
especially spoken to have to do a lot of things, so that you need to hurry or work hard: · Let’s get started – we have a lot to do.
British English, have a lot going on American English spoken to be busy, especially because you have arranged to do a lot of things during a particular period: · I’ve got a lot on this weekend.· He says he’ll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.
time use this about times when you have a lot of things you need to do: · We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.· July and August are our busiest times.
a hectic time or situation is extremely busy, so that you are always in a hurry and often feel excited or worried: · It was really hectic at work today.· The band had a hectic recording schedule.
the time in the morning and evening when a lot of people are travelling to or from work: · The buses are so crowded during the rush hour you never get a seat.· In most British cities the rush hour does not start until about 8 o’clock.
Longman Language Activatora busy person having a lot of things you should do: · She's very busy -- it's her daughter's wedding next week.· Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.· Not now Stephen, I'm busy.busy doing something: · Critics say the mayor is too busy campaigning to do his job properly.busy with: · She was busy with business matters so we decided not to burden her with our problems.keep somebody busy: · He's retired now, but his work for the youth club keeps him busy.
to have to do a lot of things, and need to hurry or work hard: · I'm sorry I can't talk -- I have a lot to do before my wife gets home.an awful lot to do (=used to emphasize you have a lot to do): · Let's get started. We have an awful lot to do and not much time to do it.
British have a lot going on American to be busy, especially because you have arranged to do a lot of things during a short period: · He says he'll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.· We've got so much on at work I couldn't possibly go on holiday now.
especially British, spoken to be very busy and always in a hurry, because you have a lot of things to do: · It's my son's birthday party tomorrow. I've been absolutely rushed off my feet getting ready for it.· All the sales assistants are run off their feet. The shop ought to take on more staff.
especially spoken to be extremely busy because you have a lot of work to do in your job: · I'm sorry I can't talk to you now -- I'm up to my neck in paperwork.· Teachers nowadays are up to their ears in administration and don't have much time for teaching.
to be very busy, especially because other people are making you work hard, or because you have to do something by a particular time: · Jerry says he's under a lot of pressure at the moment from his boss.work under pressure: · Some people don't work well under pressure.
especially British to be extremely busy and hardly able to deal with all the work you have to do: · Don't expect any help from them -- they're snowed under at the moment.be snowed under with: · Since the hurricane, builders and roofers have been snowed under with work.
spoken to be very busy for a period of time, especially when this makes you tired: · I've been on the go all week -- I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend now.· She's always on the go. I don't know how she does it.
to be busy because you have to deal with a lot of different jobs or problems, so that you do not have time to do anything else: · I'm sorry I can't help you -- I have my hands full right now.have your hands full with: · You must have your hands full with all this work to do and the children to look after.have your hands full doing something: · The Mexican government had its hands full fighting a war on three fronts.
a busy time · I'm going to bed. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.· When you are in the police force, the night shift is always busiest.· Restaurant managers often employ temporary staff at busy times of the year.
: full day/morning/week etc a day, morning etc in which you have arranged to do a lot of things: · Tomorrow will be a very full day. You have several clients to see and two meetings in the afternoon.
a time or situation that is hectic is extremely busy and you are always rushing and often excited or worried: · It was really hectic at work today.· He'd just returned from a hectic 10-day trip to New York.· I know you have a hectic schedule, but could you pick something up for me on your way home?
British spoken say this when you are very busy and have no time to relax, especially because a lot of things are happening: · It's all go around here this morning. Ten new orders, all marked "URGENT'.
not busy · Let's find a time when you're not so busy, and talk about this calmly.· Hopefully by March we won't be so busy.
especially spoken to not be busy -- use this especially to say that you have enough time to do other things: · I could help if you want -- I don't have much to do this weekend.
a busy place · Even though it was eight o'clock the market was still busy.· Paris nowadays is a busy and crowded metropolis.· The main road is busy, so be careful when you try to cross it.· This is a very busy area, what with the school, the bus station, and the new shopping mall.
a bar, restaurant, club etc that is lively is noisy and full of people who are enjoying themselves: · We got to the disco at about 10 o'clock and it was already quite lively.· It's the liveliest bar in town, very popular with the tourists.
a bustling town, street, area etc is busy and noisy, with a lot of people walking about, going in and out of shops etc: · The bustling downtown area of Chicago is dotted with massive new office developments.· The old market is a busy, bustling place, full of local colour.
a time when a place is busy · The morning is our busy time here. It's quieter in the afternoon.· July is our busiest month, when all the tourists come.
extremely busy, so that you are always in a hurry, and often feel worried or excited: · In the last hectic weeks before the show started we were practically living in the theatre to get it ready on time.· There are two hundred guests arriving in one hour! That's why things are so hectic!
the time in the morning and evening when a lot of people are travelling to or from work at the same time: · The rush hour in most British cities does not start until about 8 o'clock.· The buses are so crowded during the rush hour, you never get a seat.
the peak time or period is the time when shops, roads, trains etc are busiest: · There should be more buses to cope with the extra passengers at peak times.· We usually have two people working in the shop, but at peak periods we employ extra staff.· In the peak month of July the market sold three hundred tons of melons a day.
a very busy time when a lot of people are shopping or travelling: · Buy your tickets early and avoid the rush.the Christmas/summer/weekend etc rush: · We're building up our stocks of books and toys to get ready for the Christmas rush.
when there are a lot of people moving around and doing things, especially in a busy town or city: · Relax on the beach or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy fishing port.· It's hard to imagine that the park is only a few minutes' walk from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan.
the time of year when a tourist area is busy and a lot of people go there: · The season begins in May, and most of the hotels open then.· This place gets so crowded during the season. It's much nicer in the winter when the tourists have gone.in season (=during the season): · Don't travel to Benidorm in season. The hotels are crowded.high season/low season (=when a place is busiest or least busy): · They put their prices up considerably during the high season.
a place that is not busy · The house is quiet now that the kids are gone.· Madison Plains, Ohio, is a quiet community of 1200 inhabitants.
a sleepy place, especially a small town or village, is never busy and very little happens there: · Sticklepath is a sleepy little town right in the heart of the Devonshire countryside.· It was a sleepy provincial hotel, not used to having more than two people staying there at any one time.
a time when a place is not busy a quiet day, weekend etc is one in which there is very little business or activity and very few people: · It's been a very quiet morning so far. Only two people came in, and neither of them bought anything.· Even on a quiet weekend there are plenty of people on the beach.· This time of the year is always quiet. It gets busy again after winter.
a slow period of time in a shop or business is one in which there are very few customers and there is very little business: · Things have been slow, real slow, for months now.· February is the slowest month in the tourist trade.
especially British the off-peak time , period etc is the time when trains, hotels, tourist areas etc are not busy: · At off-peak times senior citizens can use the sports centre at reduced rates.· Take advantage of off-peak reductions for package holidays.
also out of season British if you go to a tourist area in the off-season or out of season , you go there during that part of the year when it is not busy and is usually cheaper: · We had arrived in Biarritz out of season and most of the hotels were closed.· If you go for a holiday in the off-season, you'll find some real bargains.during the off-season: · During the off-season, rates start at $75 per night for a cabin that sleeps two.
busy when you cannot do something because you have already arranged to do something else: · "Can I speak to Nigel?" "I'm sorry, he's busy right now. Can he call you back later?"· I kept asking her to come out for a drink but for some reason she was always busy.
British spoken to have already arranged to do something, for example to meet someone or to go to a party, so that you are unable to do something else that someone has invited you to do: · Do you have anything on Saturday night?· If you're not doing anything tomorrow, you could come to the beach with us.
if you are told that someone is not available when you ask to see them or to speak to them on the telephone, you cannot see them or speak to them because they are busy doing something else: · I'm sorry, Mrs Evans isn't available at the moment. Shall I get her to call you back?
formal to have already made a definite arrangement to do something, so that you cannot do something else -- used especially when you are replying to an invitation: · I'll just check her diary, she may have a prior engagement.· Mr Lewis regrets that he is unable to attend, owing to a previous engagement.
to be busy in your job, for example because you have a lot of work to do or you have an important meeting, and therefore unable to do anything else: · I'm sorry, he's tied up at the moment. Could you call back later?· I can't see you tomorrow, I'm tied up all day.
when a telephone line is busy also engaged British a telephone line that is busy is already being used by the person that you want to telephone, so you cannot speak to them: · She tried to call Lisa, but the phone was busy.· I called Mom again, but it was still busy.· He tried Nick's suite again. This time the line was engaged.· Janice's number is still engaged. She's been on the phone all morning.engaged toneBritish /busy signal American (=the sound a telephone makes when the person you are trying to call is already using the telephone): · I've been trying to call the customer helpline, but all I'm getting is a busy signal.
waiting to speak to someone on the phone who cannot speak to you immediately because they are already speaking to someone else on the telephone: · You're always on hold for about 10 minutes before you get to talk to anyone.put somebody on hold: · I put Dana on hold while I tried to find Steve.
WORD SETSanswer, nounanswering machine, nounarea code, nounbeeper, nounbleep, verbbleeper, nounbusy, adjectivecable, nouncable, verbcall box, nouncaller, nounCATV, cell, nouncellphone, nouncellular phone, nounchat line, nouncode, nounconference call, nounconferencing, nounconnect, verbcradle, nouncrossed, adjectivedead, adjectivedial, noundial, verbdialling code, noundialling tone, noundial tone, noundirectory enquiries, noundisconnect, verbearpiece, nounECN, nounEntryphone, nounex-directory, adjectiveext., extension, nounfacsimile, nounFreephone, nounGSM, nounhelpline, nounhotline, nounhousephone, nounline, nounlocal call, nounmayday, nounmobile, nounmobile phone, nounMorse code, nounmouthpiece, nounnumber, nounon, prepositionoperator, nounpay phone, nounphone book, nounphone booth, nounphone box, nounphonecard, nounradio-telephone, nounreceiver, nounredial, verbring, verbscrambler, nounsecond-generation, adjectiveSOS, nounswitchboard, nountelecottage, nountelegram, nountelegraph, nountelegraph, verbtelegrapher, nountelegraphist, nountelegraph pole, nountelemarketing, nountelematics, nountelephone, nountelephone, verbtelephone book, nountelephone box, nountelephone call, nountelephone directory, nountelephone exchange, nountelephone number, nountelephone pole, nountelephonist, nounteleprinter, nounteletypewriter, nountelex, nounthird-generation, adjectivethrough, prepositiontoll-free, adverbTouch-Tone phone, nountrace, nountriple play, nountrunk call, noununlisted, adjectiveutility pole, nounvideophone, nounvoice mail, nounWi-Fi, nounwire, nounwire, verbwireless internet, wiretapping, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
There were lots of activities to keep the kids busy. a busy day He took time out of his busy schedule to visit us. We live on a very busy road. I keep getting a busy signal.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES That’s far too much to pay. It would take me far too long to explain. some toys to keep the kids amused If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate). I’m sorry, the line is busy (=someone is already using it). How can he fit everything into his busy schedule?
1person if you are busy, you are working hard and have a lot of things to do: There were lots of activities to keep the kids busy. a busy day He took time out of his busy schedule to visit us. We live on a very busy road. I keep getting a busy signal. That’s far too much to pay. It would take me far too long to explain. some toys to keep the kids amused If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate).· Many people these days have a busy lifestyle.
I’m sorry, the line is busy (=someone is already using it).· The motorway is always busy around Birmingham.
(also the phone is engaged British English) (=the person you are calling is already speaking to someone else)· I tried you earlier, but your phone was engaged.
· Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest ports.
(=with a lot of traffic)· The children have to cross a busy road to get to school.
How can he fit everything into his busy schedule? (=with a lot of traffic or people)· The house faces onto a busy street.
· The town was busy even in November.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· The Aladdin was always busy, and employed three full-time barmen.· Pauline is always busy breeding new machines so that the ecology of the circus keeps evolving.· She was always busy - I've got seven sisters and three brothers.· His hands are always busy and his mouth never stops.· He has his day off in the middle of the week because we are always busy at the weekends.· People are always busy, like the flies and ants.· It was called the Swan and was always busy.
· Even without tolls, country roads are likely to be three times as busy in 2025 as they are today.· Not that he had much free time, for he kept himself as busy as ever in the district.· Keep as busy as possible today and remember to hold yourself up, tucking your bottom under and pulling your tummy in.· So far 1991 looks to be as busy as last year with two or three performances booked for almost every weekend.· He says things have been getting more busy but it's still not as busy as it was last year.· The waiter flurried between them, as busy as if the room were full.· For the rest, the two goalkeepers were as busy as bookends.
· Especially when the traffic towards the city was probably extremely busy.· We were extremely busy from the start.· The head-teacher is extremely busy preparing for a meeting.· The department is extremely busy and all existing machine and labour capacity is fully occupied.· They get extremely busy pre- Christmas, so it fits in well.
· He'd been so busy that afternoon that he'd completely forgotten to call her.· At dinner parties, people were so busy chewing there was scarcely time for conversation.· Richard Dreyfuss is so busy, he hired his own full-time political consultant.· I was so busy with the orchard business I really didn't have any time to have any more.· Services in Derbyshire were so busy that they needed to call for assistance from neighbouring Nottinghamshire.· He's been so busy catching murderers we've hardly seen each other for three weeks.· Not that we had much time for feeling anything, we were so busy in the Met Office just then.
· Giving the still busy Josh a parting wave, the two of them started back.· My life was still busy from morning to night.· James Kelly: His pen is still busy, his eye for the news as discerning as ever.· So quickly that she could scarcely credit it, they emerged into a well-lit square where several open-air cafés were still busy.· And even after we spent the night together you were still busy distrusting me.· A year after the Darlington Help Furniture project was launched, volunteer workers are still busy organising furniture switches throughout the town.· It was still busy at eight in the evening.· And Cymbeline - bless her heart - is down by the fence, still busy making tea for the workers.
· He was too busy thinking of the possible ramifications of a jumpy Grand Duke imagining every bush a Nihilist bear.· We were too busy admiring the town to let their griping bother us.· Elizabeth: Well, I'd always been a bit too busy - and clever!· But Dad said they were too busy to spare him; told him to wait a few days.· I've been too busy auditioning.· My life, as usual, is too busy, too near chaos.· The horses did not get breakfast that morning: everyone was too busy.· The faculty were too busy trying to be great men rather than great professors.
· Well yes, Angie had been very busy and preoccupied with the wedding preparations, naturally, but she had been happy.· He was very busy but he was prepared to see me because Lynda had recommended me.· Yet on very busy days the students will be under stress and unable to concentrate on learning new skills.· Alas, this is a very busy morning.· The two solicitors had been very busy dashing round Orkney gathering character witnesses.· Everyone is great looking and very, very busy.· But I had a very busy day.· Luckily Jean was very busy at work, and that provided a distraction.
NOUN· Yet on very busy days the students will be under stress and unable to concentrate on learning new skills.· Gon na be a busy day tomorrow.· And it's such a busy day for trains.· Genest still had a busy day working.· Princess Diana spent a busy day in Tyne and Wear as scheduled.· It must have been a busy day, Trevor; you sound tense.· It appears she'd been unlucky to choose a particularly busy day.· They had yet another stop in a busy day of retail politicking.
· He now leads a busy life as an honorary chaplain in York Minster.· Alvin moved back immediately into the busy life of rehearsing and teaching at Clark Center.· She loved him so much, and to realise that she was only an episode in his busy life was bitter indeed.· With the move to New York and her busy life, Sam hardly got to see her.· This means that there is no need for the barrenness of a busy life.· If you lead a hectic and busy life, you may find that your stomach is affected.· His desk may be tidy but the drawers are bulging with bits and bobs that reveal a busy life.· She ran the village shop, and hers was a busy life indeed.
· Tents had gone up and the temporary occupants were busy making themselves at home.· Meanwhile the campaigners are busy making protest banners.· They are too busy making money to worry about paying bills. 8.· She's too busy making arrangements to leave for Bristol to worry about us.· And Cymbeline - bless her heart - is down by the fence, still busy making tea for the workers.· Too busy making a dead set at young Mr Merrivale.· She went to the kitchen, where the dedicated housekeeper was busy making batches of tiny delicacies for tomorrow's drinks.· Most were writing up reports between assignments, or busy making arrangements by telephone.
· He's such a busy man.· The Comandante is a busy man.· Among the many fictions maintained in ffeatherstonehaugh's was that committee members were busy men.· I felt embarrassed to ask this busy man for an appointment.· Great-Grandfather was running a farm at the same time, so he must have been a very busy man.· He's a busy man, with a demanding career.· But he's a busy man, with a lot of interests.· But then, they are such busy men, they rush away.
· Paging from Vodapage gives busy people like you the freedom to go about your business and get the message.· Personnel managers and employers are busy people and do not have time to wade through a thirty page resume.· As we are all busy people we might not have time to repeat the picture on to a larger surface.· Jones knew how little time busy people have to pay their bills or keep their finances in order.· Many busy people will appreciate a responsible person exercising their horses.· Without ceremony, we headed past all these busy people and knocked on the half-open door of the secretary's office.· Microwaves have been adopted by busy people up and down the country.· It should be recognised that, in general, it will be read by busy people and therefore should be concise.
· Read in studio Finally, traffic on a busy road was brought to a standstill this afternoon ... by a train.· It's amazing how many schools that front busy roads have name boards but no notice boards.· My grandparents' village was a small place off the main road, away from busy roads and with no mains services.· The gates led right on to a busy road, there were some derelict public loos next door and a boating lake opposite.· You must also choose an area where there is little traffic, with no busy roads nearby.· He stepped on to the busy road and dragged badly injured Scott clear of the traffic.· For this reason, start by choosing a relatively quiet environment rather than a busy road.· Standard rooms overlook a busy road but those with sea view are quieter.
· I have a busy schedule for the next few days, so I may not be in touch.· They were both flying and had very busy schedules.· David never missed a training session, seminar or meeting, he always managed to fit everything into his busy schedule.· Dennis had a very busy schedule with all of these commitments.· Coincidentally, I had a very busy schedule as Foreign Secretary at that time.· He had to rely on the busy schedules of Brooks and his busy grad students.· You can't fit me into your busy schedule.· They visit Twickenham on November 14 as part of a busy schedule that follows rugby reunification between the races.
· No busy signals, paper jams, or failed attempts.· The busy signal, he saw now, had not been arbitrary.· Again, the Brapid busy signal that meant no connection.· All three dialed up without encountering any busy signals when tested Thursday morning.· Many of its 8 million members get busy signals when they try to connect.· He thought I was home, but all he got was a busy signal.· But most people found only busy signals, as structural damage and call volume overwhelmed local phone systems.· For many who use e-mail in their businesses, the busy signals are more than an inconvenience.
· Do children have to cross a busy street to get to it?· So they reached the city without interference and walked unnoticed through the busy streets.· For the last couple of weeks, I had two posters in my windows, facing on to a fairly busy street.· Puffs of hardened car exhaust linger in the air on busy streets.· The smell of stewed eels streams from a steaming vat into the busy street.· No one bothers us as we walk through the busy streets.· Far ahead he could see a sloping ramp that led up to a wide mouth gaping into a busy street.
· It's a busy time on the Mersey for sea anglers as the winter whiting and cod come within casting range.· Besides, December is a very busy time.· Production is now in full swing - a busy time on the road to success.· This was a busy time of day for the hot line people.· At busy times, 100 or more fishing boats often work in the area.· July is a busy time of preparation!· The tolls are likely to be restricted to particularly congested areas, and busy times such as rush hours.
She’s busy now – can you phone later? a busy mother of fourbusy with Mr Haynes is busy with a customer at the moment.busy doing something Rachel’s busy studying for her exams. There were lots of activities to keep the kids busy.GRAMMARYou are busy with something: · I’m very busy with work at the moment. ✗Don’t say: busy for something | busy on somethingGrammar guide ‒ ADJECTIVES2time a busy period of time is full of work or other activities: December is the busiest time of year for shops. a busy day He took time out of his busy schedule to visit us.3place a busy place is very full of people or vehicles and movement: We live on a very busy road.4telephone especially American English if a telephone you are calling is busy, it makes a repeated sound to tell you that the person you are calling is talking on their telephone SYN engaged British English: I called Sonya, but her line was busy. I keep getting a busy signal.5pattern a pattern or design that is busy is too full of small details – used to show disapprovalTHESAURUSpersonbusy if you are busy, you have a lot of things you need to do: · Sorry I haven’t called you, but I’ve been really busy.· a busy housewife· Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.· Not now Stephen, I’m busy.· Alex is busy studying for his exams.rushed/run off your feet [not before noun] British English spoken very busy and in a hurry, because you have too many things to do: · We’ve been absolutely rushed off our feet getting ready for our son’s birthday party.snowed under [not before noun] so busy that you can hardly deal with all the work you have to do: · I can’t stop for lunch today – I’m completely snowed under.· We’ve been snowed under with applications for the job.up to your ears/neck in something [not before noun] informal extremely busy because you have a lot of work to deal with: · Teachers say they are up to their ears in paperwork and don’t have enough time for teaching.tied up [not before noun] busy in your job, so that you cannot do anything else: · I’m sorry, but he’s tied up at the moment. Could you call back later?· I can’t see you tomorrow: I’m tied up all day.have a lot to do especially spoken to have to do a lot of things, so that you need to hurry or work hard: · Let’s get started – we have a lot to do.have a lot on British English, have a lot going on American English spoken to be busy, especially because you have arranged to do a lot of things during a particular period: · I’ve got a lot on this weekend.· He says he’ll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.timebusy use this about times when you have a lot of things you need to do: · We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.· July and August are our busiest times.hectic a hectic time or situation is extremely busy, so that you are always in a hurry and often feel excited or worried: · It was really hectic at work today.· The band had a hectic recording schedule.the rush hour the time in the morning and evening when a lot of people are travelling to or from work: · The buses are so crowded during the rush hour you never get a seat.· In most British cities the rush hour does not start until about 8 o’clock.busy1 adjectivebusy2 verb
busybusy2 verb (past tense and past participle busied, present participle busying, third person singular busies) [transitive] VERB TABLE
busy
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | busy |
| he, she, it | busies | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | busied |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have busied |
| he, she, it | has busied | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had busied |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will busy |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have busied |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am busying |
| he, she, it | is busying | |
| you, we, they | are busying | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was busying |
| you, we, they | were busying | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been busying |
| he, she, it | has been busying | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been busying |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be busying |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been busying |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- However, she took Tom's advice and busied herself preparing for Anna's wedding day.
- I was not prepared to contemplate such an inconvenient find, so I busied myself elsewhere.
- So we busy ourselves about the house or go on holiday in much the same way as we do our jobs.
- Two days before the opening Soo stayed in the shop and busied herself with white paint and a large board.
- While Steve was busying himself John asked him about the bridge and the strange feeling in the cutting.
Longman Language Activatora busy person
having a lot of things you should do: · She's very busy -- it's her daughter's wedding next week.· Angela was becoming more and more unhappy, but her husband was too busy to notice.· Not now Stephen, I'm busy.busy doing something: · Critics say the mayor is too busy campaigning to do his job properly.busy with: · She was busy with business matters so we decided not to burden her with our problems.keep somebody busy: · He's retired now, but his work for the youth club keeps him busy.
to have to do a lot of things, and need to hurry or work hard: · I'm sorry I can't talk -- I have a lot to do before my wife gets home.an awful lot to do (=used to emphasize you have a lot to do): · Let's get started. We have an awful lot to do and not much time to do it.
British have a lot going on American to be busy, especially because you have arranged to do a lot of things during a short period: · He says he'll try and see you as soon as possible, but he has a lot going on this afternoon.· We've got so much on at work I couldn't possibly go on holiday now.
especially British, spoken to be very busy and always in a hurry, because you have a lot of things to do: · It's my son's birthday party tomorrow. I've been absolutely rushed off my feet getting ready for it.· All the sales assistants are run off their feet. The shop ought to take on more staff.
especially spoken to be extremely busy because you have a lot of work to do in your job: · I'm sorry I can't talk to you now -- I'm up to my neck in paperwork.· Teachers nowadays are up to their ears in administration and don't have much time for teaching.
to be very busy, especially because other people are making you work hard, or because you have to do something by a particular time: · Jerry says he's under a lot of pressure at the moment from his boss.work under pressure: · Some people don't work well under pressure.
especially British to be extremely busy and hardly able to deal with all the work you have to do: · Don't expect any help from them -- they're snowed under at the moment.be snowed under with: · Since the hurricane, builders and roofers have been snowed under with work.
spoken to be very busy for a period of time, especially when this makes you tired: · I've been on the go all week -- I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend now.· She's always on the go. I don't know how she does it.
to be busy because you have to deal with a lot of different jobs or problems, so that you do not have time to do anything else: · I'm sorry I can't help you -- I have my hands full right now.have your hands full with: · You must have your hands full with all this work to do and the children to look after.have your hands full doing something: · The Mexican government had its hands full fighting a war on three fronts.
a busy time · I'm going to bed. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.· When you are in the police force, the night shift is always busiest.· Restaurant managers often employ temporary staff at busy times of the year.
: full day/morning/week etc a day, morning etc in which you have arranged to do a lot of things: · Tomorrow will be a very full day. You have several clients to see and two meetings in the afternoon.
a time or situation that is hectic is extremely busy and you are always rushing and often excited or worried: · It was really hectic at work today.· He'd just returned from a hectic 10-day trip to New York.· I know you have a hectic schedule, but could you pick something up for me on your way home?
British spoken say this when you are very busy and have no time to relax, especially because a lot of things are happening: · It's all go around here this morning. Ten new orders, all marked "URGENT'.
not busy · Let's find a time when you're not so busy, and talk about this calmly.· Hopefully by March we won't be so busy.
especially spoken to not be busy -- use this especially to say that you have enough time to do other things: · I could help if you want -- I don't have much to do this weekend.
a busy place · Even though it was eight o'clock the market was still busy.· Paris nowadays is a busy and crowded metropolis.· The main road is busy, so be careful when you try to cross it.· This is a very busy area, what with the school, the bus station, and the new shopping mall.
a bar, restaurant, club etc that is lively is noisy and full of people who are enjoying themselves: · We got to the disco at about 10 o'clock and it was already quite lively.· It's the liveliest bar in town, very popular with the tourists.
a bustling town, street, area etc is busy and noisy, with a lot of people walking about, going in and out of shops etc: · The bustling downtown area of Chicago is dotted with massive new office developments.· The old market is a busy, bustling place, full of local colour.
a time when a place is busy · The morning is our busy time here. It's quieter in the afternoon.· July is our busiest month, when all the tourists come.
extremely busy, so that you are always in a hurry, and often feel worried or excited: · In the last hectic weeks before the show started we were practically living in the theatre to get it ready on time.· There are two hundred guests arriving in one hour! That's why things are so hectic!
the time in the morning and evening when a lot of people are travelling to or from work at the same time: · The rush hour in most British cities does not start until about 8 o'clock.· The buses are so crowded during the rush hour, you never get a seat.
the peak time or period is the time when shops, roads, trains etc are busiest: · There should be more buses to cope with the extra passengers at peak times.· We usually have two people working in the shop, but at peak periods we employ extra staff.· In the peak month of July the market sold three hundred tons of melons a day.
a very busy time when a lot of people are shopping or travelling: · Buy your tickets early and avoid the rush.the Christmas/summer/weekend etc rush: · We're building up our stocks of books and toys to get ready for the Christmas rush.
when there are a lot of people moving around and doing things, especially in a busy town or city: · Relax on the beach or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy fishing port.· It's hard to imagine that the park is only a few minutes' walk from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan.
the time of year when a tourist area is busy and a lot of people go there: · The season begins in May, and most of the hotels open then.· This place gets so crowded during the season. It's much nicer in the winter when the tourists have gone.in season (=during the season): · Don't travel to Benidorm in season. The hotels are crowded.high season/low season (=when a place is busiest or least busy): · They put their prices up considerably during the high season.
a place that is not busy · The house is quiet now that the kids are gone.· Madison Plains, Ohio, is a quiet community of 1200 inhabitants.
a sleepy place, especially a small town or village, is never busy and very little happens there: · Sticklepath is a sleepy little town right in the heart of the Devonshire countryside.· It was a sleepy provincial hotel, not used to having more than two people staying there at any one time.
a time when a place is not busy a quiet day, weekend etc is one in which there is very little business or activity and very few people: · It's been a very quiet morning so far. Only two people came in, and neither of them bought anything.· Even on a quiet weekend there are plenty of people on the beach.· This time of the year is always quiet. It gets busy again after winter.
a slow period of time in a shop or business is one in which there are very few customers and there is very little business: · Things have been slow, real slow, for months now.· February is the slowest month in the tourist trade.
especially British the off-peak time , period etc is the time when trains, hotels, tourist areas etc are not busy: · At off-peak times senior citizens can use the sports centre at reduced rates.· Take advantage of off-peak reductions for package holidays.
also out of season British if you go to a tourist area in the off-season or out of season , you go there during that part of the year when it is not busy and is usually cheaper: · We had arrived in Biarritz out of season and most of the hotels were closed.· If you go for a holiday in the off-season, you'll find some real bargains.during the off-season: · During the off-season, rates start at $75 per night for a cabin that sleeps two.
busy when you cannot do something because you have already arranged to do something else: · "Can I speak to Nigel?" "I'm sorry, he's busy right now. Can he call you back later?"· I kept asking her to come out for a drink but for some reason she was always busy.
British spoken to have already arranged to do something, for example to meet someone or to go to a party, so that you are unable to do something else that someone has invited you to do: · Do you have anything on Saturday night?· If you're not doing anything tomorrow, you could come to the beach with us.
if you are told that someone is not available when you ask to see them or to speak to them on the telephone, you cannot see them or speak to them because they are busy doing something else: · I'm sorry, Mrs Evans isn't available at the moment. Shall I get her to call you back?
formal to have already made a definite arrangement to do something, so that you cannot do something else -- used especially when you are replying to an invitation: · I'll just check her diary, she may have a prior engagement.· Mr Lewis regrets that he is unable to attend, owing to a previous engagement.
to be busy in your job, for example because you have a lot of work to do or you have an important meeting, and therefore unable to do anything else: · I'm sorry, he's tied up at the moment. Could you call back later?· I can't see you tomorrow, I'm tied up all day.
to spend time to spend time somewhere, with someone, or doing something: spend time: · I never seem to have any time to spend with the children.spend an hour/two days/a week etc: · Dani spends hours on the phone.spend an hour/two days/a week etc doing something: · Fay spent a year in Italy teaching English.· He spent the whole morning reading the report.
to spend time doing something unimportant, because you have nothing else to do: · I started doing a crossword to pass the time .pass the time doing something: · The security guards used to pass their time playing cards.
: kill time/a couple of hours etc informal to do something in order to make time seem to pass more quickly while you are waiting for something: · I was early, so I sat in a café, killing time.· The train doesn't leave till two, so we have a couple of hours to kill.
to keep yourself busy doing things, especially because you cannot think of anything else to do or to stop yourself from getting bored: busy yourself doing something: · Martin sat down nervously and busied himself rearranging the papers on his desk.busy yourself with: · Mrs Smithers pottered about busying herself with light household tasks.
informal to often spend a lot of your time in a particular place or with a particular person or group: · You'll probably find Dave at the pool hall -- he often hangs out there.hang out with: · I used to hang out with them when I was at college.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES That’s far too much to pay. It would take me far too long to explain. some toys to keep the kids amused If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate). I’m sorry, the line is busy (=someone is already using it). How can he fit everything into his busy schedule?
That’s far too much to pay. It would take me far too long to explain. some toys to keep the kids amused If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life. He has led a charmed life (=been very fortunate).· Many people these days have a busy lifestyle.
I’m sorry, the line is busy (=someone is already using it).· The motorway is always busy around Birmingham.
(also the phone is engaged British English) (=the person you are calling is already speaking to someone else)· I tried you earlier, but your phone was engaged.
· Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest ports.
(=with a lot of traffic)· The children have to cross a busy road to get to school.
How can he fit everything into his busy schedule? (=with a lot of traffic or people)· The house faces onto a busy street.
· The town was busy even in November.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Far too busy for feeling sorry.· The rest of the group had been too busy out enjoying themselves to think about the potential consequences of Leila's absence.
NOUN· Anyway, I'd been very busy the day before and Doreen had irritated me for other reasons.· Norm was very busy these days, and often did not come home for dinner.· They were both busy all day apart from meal breaks and it was not easy to get Vi on her own.· Getting to know Mr Rochester Thornfield Hall became quite busy the next day, now that the master had returned.· I've been very busy these last few days.· The courtship, territory-defending days have given way to busy days of food-seeking and brood-raising.
· Viewed that way, New Zealand has a lively industry that keeps actors busy.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
busy yourself with something to use your time dealing with something: - I busied myself with answering letters.
- Could it be that man over there busying himself with the nutcracker display?
- Franca naturally busied herself with genuine tasks, of which there were always plenty.
- I busied myself with the cooking until I was interrupted by an exquisite baritone.
- It was ajar and he could see the young woman busying herself with chores before reopening the shop for the afternoon trade.
- Morning comes, and Blue starts busying himself with another disguise.
- She busies herself with recruiting phone calls.
- Two days before the opening Soo stayed in the shop and busied herself with white paint and a large board.
- While Muhammed Shah and his circle busied themselves with amusement, Safdarjung consolidated his position.
He busied himself with answering letters.