busk
/bʌsk/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To perform music, dance, or street entertainment in a public place for money. It often suggests an informal or street performance.
- They busked near the station all evening.
- She busks with her guitar on weekends.
- Many artists busk to earn extra cash.
noun
A public performance done for money, usually in a street or other open place. It is usually informal.
- Their busk drew a small crowd.
- The busk lasted until sunset.
Adinary Nuance
Busk is close to perform and play, but it usually means doing so in public for donations or tips. It also sounds more specific than street perform, which is the activity in general. Writers choose busk when they want to show an informal, public money-earning performance.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- biểu diễn đường phố
- Spanish
- actuar en la calle
- Chinese
- 街头表演
- Japanese
- 路上演奏する
- Korean
- 거리 공연하다
Etymology
Busk came into English from Scandinavian languages, probably Old Norse, in the 1500s. It was first linked with dressing or preparing, then later with street performance.
Common phrases
busk on the streetbusk for moneystreet buskingbusking spot
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is busk a common word in everyday English?
- It is understood, but **busk** is not very common in casual speech. People often say **perform on the street** instead.
- What is the difference between busk and perform?
- **Perform** is general. **Busk** means perform in public, usually for tips or donations.
- Can I use busk in academic writing?
- Usually no, unless you are writing about street art, music, or public performance.
- Is busk formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but it often appears in writing about street entertainment or culture.