bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
1
: a brimming cup or glass
2
: something unusually large

bumper

2 of 3

adjective

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
1
: unusually large
a bumper crop
2

bumper

3 of 3

noun (2)

bump·​er ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
1
: a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage (as in collision)
specifically : a bar at either end of an automobile
2
: one that bumps
3
: a brief interval on radio or television filled with music, video shots, or voice-overs that marks a break between a program and a commercial

Examples of bumper in a Sentence

Adjective We had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year. it's been a bumper year for movies aimed at intelligent adults Noun (2) cars have bumpers to protect them from damage in minor collisions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In dry conditions, your vehicle's front bumper should pass the sign three or four seconds after the rear bumper of the car ahead. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 He’s got high-end (or close) skill, a dangerous wrister on the power play (from the flank and the bumper) and a quick, one-touch release and catch-and-release motion. Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 Motorists can pick from dozens of specialty plates to express themselves on their bumpers. Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 18 Dec. 2024 The front bumper and headlights have been redesigned giving it a sleeker, more modern look. New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bumper 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably from bump to bulge

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bumper was circa 1670

Dictionary Entries Near bumper

Cite this Entry

“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bumper

1 of 2 adjective
bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
: unusually large or fine
a bumper crop

bumper

2 of 2 noun
bump·​er
ˈbəm-pər
: a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage (as in collision)
especially : a bar at the front or back of a motor vehicle

More from Merriam-Webster on bumper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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