popper

noun

pop·​per ˈpä-pər How to pronounce popper (audio)
1
: one that pops
especially : a utensil for popping corn
2
slang : a vial of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite used illicitly as an inhalational aphrodisiac

Examples of popper in a Sentence

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.
But one of them was a heart-racing eye-popper that won’t soon be forgotten. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The scouts set off confetti poppers. — Noam Levey, NPR, 28 June 2026 While the poppers will no doubt be out in full force, the mainstream votes might not be so plentiful. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026 Red jalapeños are tasty in fresh salsas, stir-fries, and dehydrated spice blends, but green jalapeños are the best choice for jalapeño poppers. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for popper

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of popper was in 1733

Rhymes for popper

See All Rhymes for popper

Browse Nearby Words

poppean
popper
Popperian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Popper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popper. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

popper

noun
pop·​per ˈpäp-ər How to pronounce popper (audio)
: one that pops
especially : a utensil for popping corn

Medical Definition

popper

noun
pop·​per ˈpäp-ər How to pronounce popper (audio)
slang
: a vial of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite especially when used illicitly as an inhalational aphrodisiac

More from Merriam-Webster on popper

Nglish: Translation of popper for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about popper

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