bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
Synonyms of bumper
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
: banner sense 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

Synonyms of bumper

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Adjective

Noun (2)

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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
The PIT is a controversial spin-and-stall maneuver where the chasing officer aligns his front bumper with the rear quarter panel of a fleeing vehicle and turns sharply into it, breaking the rear-tire traction and forcing the car into an abrupt spin. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 And despite warnings, vehicles were seen plowing through floodwaters on roads in bumper-deep water. — Larry Seward, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 With six laps to go and David Gilliland leading the pack, Logano had Carson Hocevar on his bumper and Ross Chastain in front of him. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Such armor typically consists of an outer sacrificial bumper that is separated from the main craft by space. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing bumper

Rhymes for bumper

See All Rhymes for bumper

Browse Nearby Words

bump ball
bumper
bumper car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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