bossy

bossy 1[baw-see, bos-ee] SynonymsWord Origin adjective, boss·i·er, boss·i·est.

1. given to ordering people about; overly authoritative; domineering.

Origin of bossy 1An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; boss1 + -y1 Related formsboss·i·ly, adverbboss·i·ness, nounSynonyms for bossy highhanded, officious, dictational; overbearing, abrasive. bossy 2[baw-see, bos-ee] adjective, boss·i·er, boss·i·est.

1. studded with bosses.

Origin of bossy 2First recorded in 1535–45; boss2 + -y1 Related Words for bossier pushy, imperious, overbearing, authoritarian, commanding, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, high-handed, oppressive, overpowering, strict, tyrannical British Dictionary definitions for bossier bossy 1 adjective bossier or bossiest

1. informal domineering, overbearing, or authoritarian

Derived Formsbossily, adverbbossiness, noun bossy 2 adjective

1. (of furniture) ornamented with bosses

Word Origin and History for bossier bossy adj.

1540s, “swelling, projecting and rounded, decorated with bosses” from boss (n.2). Meaning “domineering, fond of ordering people about” is recorded 1882, from boss (n.1) + -y (2). As a common cow name it represents Latin bos “cow” (see cow (n.)).