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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Depending upon truck chassis and trim, the Panthera measures in between 22 and 26 feet (6.7 and 7.9 m) bumper to bumper, with dry weight hovering between 10,000 and 12,000 lb (4,535 and 5,443 kg). New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024 The leader at the white flag, Blaney had Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota on the rear bumper of Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang. Bruce Martin, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 At one point, Smith used his bumper to gain position over Custer, leading to a retaliatory move from Custer, who forced Smith up the track during a critical moment in the race. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Huawei appears set for another bumper year of sales. Alena Botros, Fortune Asia, 1 Nov. 2024 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 17 Nov. 2024.

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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