adjective

boisterous

/ˈbɔɪstərəs/ · say it: BOY·ster·us

noisy, energetic, and cheerful

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) loud, energetic, and cheerful in a way that shows a lack of control or discipline

2. (adjective) (of weather or sea) rough and stormy

Examples

1. The boisterous crowd at the concert was jumping and cheering loudly.
2. The boisterous waves made it dangerous to sail.

How to use boisterous

Boisterous describes behavior or environments characterized by loud, unrestrained energy, often carrying a mildly negative or neutral tone depending on context. It's commonly used for crowds, celebrations, or unruly children, and can also describe rough weather or turbulent seas. The word suggests lack of refinement or control rather than intentional malice.

Common phrases

boisterous laughter
boisterous behavior
boisterous crowd
boisterous party
boisterous seas

Synonyms

rowdy · rambunctious · exuberant · loud · turbulent

Opposites

quiet · calm · subdued

Word family

boisterously (adverb) · boisterousness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use boisterous to mean merely loud or cheerful without the sense of lack of control or roughness that is central to its meaning.

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