bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

1

: a brimming cup or glass

2

: something unusually large

bumper

2 of 3

adjective

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

1

: unusually large

a bumper crop

2

: banner sense 2

bumper

3 of 3

noun (2)

bump·​er ˈbəm-pər 

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• A-OK
• A1
• awesome
• bang-up
• banner
• beautiful
• blue-chip
• blue-ribbon
• boffo
• bonny [chiefly British]
• bonnie
• boss [slang]
• brag
• brave
• bully
• capital
• choice
• classic
• cool [slang]
• corking
• crackerjack
• cracking
• dandy
• divine
• dope [slang]
• down [slang]
• dynamite
• excellent
• fab
• fabulous
• famous
• fantabulous [slang]
• fantastic
• fine
• first-class
• first-rate
• first-string
• five-star
• four-star
• frontline
• gangbusters
• gangbuster
• gilt-edged
• gilt-edge
• gone [slang]
• grand
• great
• groovy
• heavenly
• high-class
• hot
• hype [slang]
• immense
• jim-dandy
• keen
• lovely
• marvelous
• marvellous
• mean
• neat
• nifty
• noble
• number one
• No. 1
• numero uno
• out-of-sight [slang]
• par excellence
• peachy
• peachy keen
• phat [slang]
• prime
• primo [slang]
• prize
• prizewinning
• quality
• radical [slang]
• righteous [slang]
• sensational
• slick
• splendid
• stellar
• sterling
• superb
• superior
• superlative
• supernal
• swell
• terrific
• tip-top
• top
• top-notch
• top-of-the-line
• top-shelf
• topflight
• topping [chiefly British]
• unsurpassed
• wizard [chiefly British]
• wonderful

Noun (2)

• buffer
• cocoon
• cushion
• cushioning
• fender
• pad

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

Noun

The video then cuts to a photo of the truck displaying additional damage near its front bumper and rear door. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024

Gloss-black wheel-well trim extends along the bottom of the doors and continues on the side mirrors, roof pillars, and parts of the front and rear bumpers. —PCMAG, 11 May 2024

The disappointing projection overshadowed a bumper first quarter for Airbnb, particularly in markets like Asia and Latin America. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 May 2024

The two were not injured in the incident, according to NHK Japan, but the vehicle received significant damage with its windshield cracked and wipers and bumper broken. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024

The brand’s iconic Spirt of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille are still there, but the latter is now illuminated and there are new LED daytime running lights and a new-look bumper. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 May 2024

Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet, upon further examination, was declared the winner by the nose of its bumper, much to Larson’s surprise as well. —Randy Covitz, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2024

Joyce’s reign was known for its focus on shareholders, profits and bumper dividends. —Angus Whitley, Fortune Asia, 6 May 2024

Yet another system, known as fender rings, acts like a car's bumper, shielding bridge pylons from most of the impact in the case of a collision. —Scott Neuman, NPR, 3 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing bumper

• bumper car
• bumper crop
• bumper sticker
• bumper-to-bumper

Kids Definition

bumper

1 of 2 adjective

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

: 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