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
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The new radiator grille features four horizontal louvres, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, the A-pillar has new cladding, and the front of the roof is now outfitted with a lip spoiler. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024 Whereas XPeng cars have two lidar units mounted in the front bumper, both Li and Nio mount a single unit above the windscreen. Mark Andrews, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 Cheap cash, as well as the proliferation of smartphones and plentiful cloud storage, allowed many tech start-ups to flourish, producing bumper returns for investors who bet on those companies over the last 15 years. Erin Griffith, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Video game junkies can get their fix in the ginormous arcade and those who love the water can hit the pool on a bumper boats ride. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The teal and silver stroller looks like a normal carrier at the front, but the back sports taillights and a bumper, taking inspiration from a vintage car. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The case is shockproof and impact-resistant thanks to a thick silicone bumper and polycarbonate casing rated to withstand drops from heights of 4 feet without damage. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 13 Mar. 2024 British tycoon Richard Branson could scoop a massive personal cash windfall as a reward for struggling challenger bank Virgin Money ditching its Virgin branding after a bumper takeover bid. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 11 Mar. 2024 With freight rates once again undergoing strong upward pressure, will investors see another bumper year? Frank Holmes, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bumper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near bumper

Cite this Entry

“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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