busload
C1Informal, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The amount of passengers or things that fill a single bus; a group large enough to fill a bus.
A very large number or group of people or things, often implying an overwhelming or cumbersome quantity, regardless of the literal presence of a bus.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a quantifier or measure word for groups, especially of people. It often conveys a sense of a large, collective arrival or presence. Can be used literally or hyperbolically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling: always one word. Both varieties use the term with the same literal and figurative sense.
Connotations
Neutral-to-slightly negative when used hyperbolically (e.g., 'a busload of problems').
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + busload + of + [plural noun/people]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not] by the busload (not in large quantities)”
- “come/generate/etc. by the busload (in very large numbers)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly hyperbolic: 'The new policy created a busload of administrative work.'
Academic
Very rare, except in specific transport or tourism studies.
Everyday
Common: 'A busload of kids arrived for the tour.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A busload of children went to the zoo.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bus LOADed with people. BUS + LOAD = BUSLOAD.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS A VEHICLE-LOAD (A large amount is conceptualized as the capacity of a vehicle).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as *'груз автобуса'*. It refers to people/things ON the bus, not the bus's cargo hold. Use 'целый автобус (туристов)' or 'группа (людей), заполнившая автобус'.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a verb (*'They busloaded the students').
- Confusing with 'bus load' (two words, less common).
- Using with uncountable nouns (*'a busload of information').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'busload' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'busload'.
Yes, it can be used hyperbolically for a large quantity of things (e.g., 'a busload of paperwork'), though its primary use is for groups of people.
They are synonymous. 'Coachload' is more common in British English, as 'coach' is the preferred term for long-distance or touring buses. 'Busload' is universal.
No, it is informal and conversational. In formal writing, alternatives like 'a large group' or 'a great number' are preferred.