To bluster means to talk in a loud, aggressive, or boastful way, especially when you're trying to hide uncertainty or weakness. When someone blusters, they puff themselves up with big words and confident claims, often because they feel threatened or don't actually have the power they're pretending to have.

Picture a student who forgot to study for a test, loudly declaring to everyone, “This test will be so easy, I could do it in my sleep!” That's blustering: making bold claims to cover up nervousness. Or imagine a bully who shouts threats when challenged, trying to sound tough even though they're not sure what to do next.

The word can also describe wind that blows in loud, violent gusts. A blustery winter day has wind that roars and rattles windows, swirling leaves everywhere.

There's a connection between these meanings: both involve a lot of noise and force without much substance behind it. Someone who blusters creates a storm of words, but when you look past the noise, there's often not much there. Once people recognize blustering for what it is, they may stop taking it seriously.