buster

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Forming compounds denoting a team, weapon, or device specialized in the destruction of the first element.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

German ‘balloon busters’ attack the Dover barrage.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Someone who or something that 'breaks', tames, or overpowers a specified person or thing. — A broncobuster.

Register: colloquial, dated, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Someone who or something that 'breaks', tames, or overpowers a specified person or thing. — Forming compounds denoting an agent or agency tasked with reducing or eliminating the first element.

Register: colloquial, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “buster” mean?

Forming compounds denoting a team, weapon, or device specialized in the destruction of the first element.

Is “buster” formal or informal?

buster is generally slang.