damper

noun

damp·​er ˈdam-pər 

1

: a dulling or deadening influence

put a damper on the celebration

2

: a device that damps: such as

a

: a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft

b

: a small felted block to stop the vibration of a piano string

c

chiefly British : shock absorber

3

Australia : a simple usually unleavened bread of a kind made originally in the Australian bush

Synonyms

• mute

Examples of damper in a Sentence

the pianist used the damper pedal on the piano for the quiet passages

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the first freeze moves in, Coloradans should have their home evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers and other areas where air might escape. —Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2024

For example, the group modeled a leg as a combination of rods, springs, and dampers. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Not only does the weight reduce the Xcel’s kick, but the gun also employs a hydraulic damper in the stock to minimize the force that reaches the shooter’s shoulder. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 17 Oct. 2024

The Weather Channel forecast for Oct. 31, 2024, for Louisville The Weather Channel is giving Kentucky a slightly damper outlook. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing damper

• put a damper on

Kids Definition

damper

noun

damp·​er ˈdam-pər 

: one that damps : as

a

: a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft

b

: a device (as one of the felt-covered pieces of wood in a piano) used to deaden vibrations or oscillations

c

: a dulling or deadening influence

put a damper on the celebration