Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

bust a move

/ˈbʌst ə ˈmuːv/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.02 in modern English

Syllables
bust a -move
IPA
/ˈbʌst ə ˈmuːv/
16
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
2
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To dance.

Transitive verb

verb

To initiate an action, such as a departure, attack, etc.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

Ellipsis of bust out a move (“break out a move”), in reference to unveiling or demonstrating a move from one's repertoire of dance moves. The original usage of this phrase is "to dance." The term appeared in the 1986 song “Posse in Effect” by Beastie Boys, in which M.C.A. said “Pay attention, my intention is to bust a move.” It was then popularized in the 1989 single of the same name by rapper Young MC, who tells (in the song) of his several attempts to find (or seduce) a woman in various places and failing to be able to do so because he can't dance; he isn't able to "bust a move."

Usage

Inflected Forms

busts a move (present, singular) busting a move (participle, present) busted a move (participle, past) busted a move (past)

Phrases

break down bust down buss down

Frequently Paired Words

break down bust down buss down

Synonyms

cut a rug get in gear hit the road make a move

Rhymes With

move only move you've improve prove remove approve groove who've disprove behoove reprove

Questions

How do you pronounce bust a move?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈbʌst ə ˈmuːv/.
What does bust a move mean?
To dance.
Where does bust a move come from?
Ellipsis of bust out a move (“break out a move”), in reference to unveiling or demonstrating a move from one's repertoire of dance moves. The original usage of this phrase is "to dance." The term appeared in the 1986 song “Posse in Effect” by Beastie Boys, in which M.C.A. said “Pay attention, my intention is to bust a move.” It was then popularized in the 1989 single of the same name by rapper Young MC, who tells (in the song) of his several attempts to find (or seduce) a woman in various places and failing to be able to do so because he can't dance; he isn't able to "bust a move."

How to pronounce bust a move

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “bust a move”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈbʌst ə ˈmuːv/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “bust a move”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “bust a move” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.