bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

bum·​mer ˈbə-mər How to pronounce bummer (audio)
: one that bums

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: an unpleasant experience (such as a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug)
2

Examples of bummer in a Sentence

Noun (1) boy, breaking your leg right before vacation is a bummer the cancellation of the holiday office party was a total bummer that new start-up company proved to be a real bummer Noun (2) a lifelong bummer, he never knew the satisfaction of having to work for a living
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
With James not playing, this will certainly be a bummer for a lot of people. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 But the split does cause friction and a platonic break-up between Deb and her friend, which is kind of a bummer. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 24 Jan. 2025 That’s a bummer for a movie that’s otherwise pretty damn delightful. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 Most notably, the last 15 or so turns of an age can be a bit of a bummer. Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bummer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of German Bummler loafer, from bummeln to dangle, loaf

Noun (2)

bum entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1855, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bummer was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Bummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bummer. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

bummer

noun
bum·​mer
ˈbəm-ər
1
: an unpleasant experience, event, or situation
2
: something that fails : flop
Etymology

Noun

2bum

More from Merriam-Webster on bummer

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