1 [+ obj] : to quickly move or push (someone) often in a rough way
▪ The guards hustled the prisoners into the jail. ▪ The star's manager hustled him out the back door of the theater to avoid the throngs of fans. ▪ She hustled the children (off) to school. 2 [no obj] chiefly US a : to move or work in a quick and energetic way
▪ If we want to catch that bus, we're going to have to hustle. [=rush]
b : to play a sport with a lot of energy and effort
▪ He's not the most talented player on the team, but he always hustles. 3 US, informal a : to get (something, such as money) in an illegal or improper way [+ obj] ▪ She spent her mornings hustling change [=asking people for money] on the sidewalk. [no obj] ▪ hustling for money
b [+ obj] : to sell (something illegal, such as drugs)
▪ He's been hustling drugs for a few years. : to sell (something) in an illegal or improper way ▪ They hustle diamonds, furs—whatever people are buying. 4 [+ obj] informal a : to take something and especially money from (someone) by lying or doing something unfair : to swindle or cheat (someone)
▪ She's accused of running an elaborate scam to hustle elderly people.
b chiefly US : to earn money by playing (a gambling game) and especially by playing against people who are less skillful than you are
▪ He made a living by hustling pool. 5 [no obj] US, informal : to work as a prostitute