hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhä-pər 

1

a

: one that hops

b

: a leaping insect

specifically : an immature hopping form of an insect (such as a grasshopper or locust)

2

[from the shaking motion of hoppers used to feed grain into a mill]

a

: a usually funnel-shaped receptacle for delivering material (such as grain or coal)

also : any of various other receptacles for the temporary storage of material

b

: a freight car with a floor sloping to one or more hinged doors for discharging bulk materials

called also hopper car

c

: a box in which a bill to be considered by a legislative body is dropped

d

: a tank holding liquid and having a device for releasing its contents through a pipe

e

: a mix of things to be considered or done

Examples of hopper in a Sentence

The company has several new product ideas in the hopper.

Recent Examples on the Web

The study reveals that tech employees and Gen Zers are the most likely to identify as job hoppers. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Assuming an annual salary of $60,000 at their first job—and an average tenure of five years per company—the investment firm estimates that job hoppers can lose $300,000 in retirement savings over their time in the workforce. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024

That amount, if placed in hopper cars, would fill a freight train long enough to circle the earth — and that's just from the last 44 years. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024

Modifications to date and theme park are subject to availability and no park hopper version of the service will be available at time of launch. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hopper

• beach hopper
• hip-hopper
• the hopper

Kids Definition

hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhäp-ər 

1

a

: one that hops

b

: a leaping insect

especially : a young hopping form of an insect

2

a

: a usually funnel-shaped container for delivering material (as grain)

b

: a railroad car with a sloping floor and hinged doors

called also hopper car

c

: a tank with a device for releasing its liquid through a pipe

Biographical Definition

Hopper 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Hop·​per ˈhä-pər 

Edward 1882–1967 American artist

Hopper

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Grace 1906–1992 née Grace Brewster Murray American admiral, mathematician, and computer scientist

Hopper

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

(William) DeWolf 1858–1935 American actor