hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhä-pər 

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

As a biplane climbs to 8,500 feet, on a gloomy afternoon in April 1933, Swan’s daredevil plan is to leap from the metal hopper beneath the lower wing, drop through the clouds, and, at the precise moment the rocket in his backpack ignites, explode up into space. —Howard Blum, airmail.news, 15 Feb. 2025

Future hoppers are expected to have a range of about 15 miles (25 km). —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025

After a morning in the surf, Cape Weligama’s open-air Ocean Terrace restaurant offered a feast: thick, creamy buffalo curd served with coconut treacle; baskets of lacy, crisp egg hoppers; fragrant green bean yellow curry served with regional red rice and crispy pappadums. —Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025

Lavazza, a fixture of coffee sponsorships at tennis’ other three Grand Slam events, is in espresso hoppers in the media areas, but conspicuous by its absence around the wider grounds. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing hopper

• beach hopper
• hip-hopper
• the hopper

Kids Definition

hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhäp-ər 

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 

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