WordGarden.iobusload
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌsləʊd/
US
- /bəˈsloʊd/
Meanings
Noun
a group or amount as large as a bus can carry
Beyond the definition
Imagine a bright yellow school bus, packed to the gills with excited kids on a field trip – that's a busload! It doesn't literally have to be a bus, though. A "busload" simply means a very large number of people or things arriving or being present all at once. You might say "a busload of tourists descended upon the small town," meaning a huge group arrived suddenly. The image evokes fullness and quantity – like everything that could fit into a bus, does. It's often used to emphasize a sudden influx or overwhelming amount.
The word busload paints a vivid picture: a vehicle brimming with passengers. While it comes from the literal idea of a bus filled to capacity, it usually means a very large group of people arriving or appearing together. Think of it as shorthand for "so many that they could fill a bus." It can also be used more loosely to suggest a sizable amount of something in an informal way, though people are the most natural fit.
You'll often meet this word when describing crowds: "A busload of volunteers arrived to help with cleanup after the storm." Or, "The concert hall was packed with a busload of enthusiastic fans." It implies not just number, but also a sense of shared arrival or momentum – they came as a single burst.
It's an informal term, often used for emphasis or to create a strong visual image. While you would usually avoid it in formal writing, it is perfect for adding color to everyday conversation. It suggests abundance, energy, and perhaps a little bit of chaos! So next time you see (or imagine) a huge group showing up at once, remember the image of a busload—full, lively, and ready to go.
Examples
- 1
Tourism
A busload of tourists stopped at the café for lunch.
- 2
Sports crowd
Busloads of fans arrived at the stadium before noon.
- 3
Large numbers
During cherry season, visitors come to the town by the busload.
- Phraseby the busload
in very large numbers
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- busloadnoun