bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
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

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

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
No matter the degree of pitch or roll, its frame and bumpers never made contact with the ground, either, thanks to 31- and 30-degree approach and departure angles, respectively, plus an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Peter Nelson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 For instance, the price of an aluminum bumper or radiator purchased by an automaker from a Canadian or Mexican parts supplier would likely increase. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 Included in the Black Series package were air intakes in the front bumper and fenders, side skirts, and a spoiler all hewn from carbon fiber. Jeremy Korzeniewski, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025 The original series for TV2 in Norway was taken to a second season earlier this year following bumper ratings for the first. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bumper

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