1 a: one that hops b: a leaping insect; specifically: an immature hopping form of an insect (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 (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 carc: 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