Bossy means telling other people what to do in a pushy, domineering way, especially when you don't have the authority to give orders. A bossy classmate might constantly interrupt group work to announce how everyone should do things, even though no one elected them leader. A bossy sibling might order their brother around like they're in charge, when really they're just another kid in the family.

There's an important difference between being bossy and being a good leader. Good leaders listen to others' ideas, explain their reasoning, and help the group succeed together. Bossy people just want control and assume their way is the only right way. They often don't notice (or don't care) that they're making others feel frustrated or ignored.

You might hear someone complain, “Stop being so bossy!” when they feel like they're being ordered around unfairly. Sometimes younger kids act bossy because they're copying adults without understanding that giving orders isn't the same as earning respect. The word carries a negative feeling because most people don't enjoy being told what to do by someone who hasn't earned the right to lead.