hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhä-pər How to pronounce hopper (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for hopper 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hopper was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hopper

Cite this Entry

“Hopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopper. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hopper

noun
hop·​per ˈhäp-ər How to pronounce hopper (audio)
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 How to pronounce Hopper (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on hopper

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