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
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 bummer here, of course, is the injury to the Lions' star edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024 This is a real bummer for Schmitt’s BFF, Helm, who cries even as Schmitt promises to FaceTime during their favorite trash-TV shows. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 This new Mini is basically a rip-and-replace internal upgrade of the last model, which is a bit of a bummer. David Pierce, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2024 Seeing one fail, and a new IP at that, is a bummer. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bummer

Cite this Entry

“Bummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bummer. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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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