bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
Synonyms of bumpernext
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 Noun (2) cars have bumpers to protect them from damage in minor collisions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As for those modifications, those include 18-inch racing wheels; additional NISMO features like a different front bumper, seats, gauge cluster, and air intake; modified exhaust; and a Sony radio. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025 Below the grille, a new block-toothed bumper design serves as a rugged foundation, and up above, the narrow headlamps get connected by silver trim. New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025 Linda’s efforts to grab the hamster in the passenger seat of her car and forcefully put it in the box are thwarted when a vehicle rams into her bumper. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Police say there will be slight to moderate damage to the front bumper. Austen Erblat, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bumper

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

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

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