Is boisterous formal or informal?

Yes—it suits informal talk and written stories, but avoid very formal reports.

How is boisterous different from rowdy?

It suits lively scenes; rowdy implies dangerous roughness more than boisterous.

How do I use boisterous in a sentence?

Use it for people or places that are loud and lively, not for quiet ideas.

Is boisterous a common word?

It’s common in speech and stories, less so in strict academic papers.

← Dictionary

boisterous

/bɔɪˈstiər.əs/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Noisy, energetic, and rough rather than gentle or calm.

Children were loud and boisterous in the park.
The team gave a boisterous cheer.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: boisterous is rougher and more lively than noisy, less controlled than vigorous, and more casual than solemn. Choose it for energetic, rough fun rather than calm or refined energy.

In other languages

Spanish: Ruidoso y con energía
Japanese: 騒がしくて活気的な
Korean: 시끄럽고 활기찬
Vietnamese: Ồn ào và năng động
Chinese: 喧闹而活跃

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French 'boistier', meaning 'rude, noisy', of Germanic origin.

Common phrases

boisterous laughterboisterous crowdboisterous game

Synonyms

loud rowdy noisy energetic vigorous

Related words

noise cheer fun energy lively

Frequently asked questions

Is boisterous formal or informal?: Yes—it suits informal talk and written stories, but avoid very formal reports.
How is boisterous different from rowdy?: It suits lively scenes; rowdy implies dangerous roughness more than boisterous.
How do I use boisterous in a sentence?: Use it for people or places that are loud and lively, not for quiet ideas.
Is boisterous a common word?: It’s common in speech and stories, less so in strict academic papers.