What does jostling mean?
Jostling means pushing, shoving, or bumping roughly against others, typically in a crowded place, and it can also describe competing for position, attention, or advantage. The word evokes the movement and pressure of a crowd, where people push, elbow, and maneuver to find space or get ahead. In political, business, and social contexts, “jostling” is often figurative: candidates jostle for attention, companies jostle for market share, or protesters jostle against authority. As the present-participle form of “jostle,” it is especially natural before an implied subject, as in “people jostling in the queue,” and it can also function as a noun for the activity itself. Its connotations are generally physical and competitive, though the metaphorical use is not necessarily hostile; it can simply describe active, closely contested interaction.
To push, shove, or bump against someone or something roughly, especially in a crowd.
"People jostled each other near the entrance."
Often describes rough, disorderly movement by a group of people.
Involving or characterized by repeated pushing, crowding, or competition for position or attention.
"The jostling crowd surged toward the gates."
Common in phrases such as “jostling crowd” and “jostling competition.”
The act of pushing, shoving, or competing for position or attention.
"There was a great deal of jostling as the photographers gathered."
Usually used as an uncountable mass noun.
From a crowded platform to a heated political race, jostling captures the physical and social struggle to make room, gain attention, or secure an advantage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jostling come from?
The word comes from the English verb “jostle,” which is related to “joust,” referring to a knight moving on horseback with a lance in combat. The exact historical development of the modern meaning is less certain, but the family has long been associated with pushing, competing, and contending for position. The present-participle form “jostling” became common in modern English for actions taking place simultaneously or repeatedly.
Related word forms
How jostling is actually used
“Jostling” is commonly used for physical pushing in crowds, but it is also metaphorical, especially in contexts involving competition, social interaction, or gaining attention. The word often suggests a rough, disorderly, or energetic process.
Easily confused with jostling
“Jostle” is the base verb, while “jostling” is its present-participle form, as in “people jostling in the crowd.”