bumpy

adjective

ˈbəm-pē 

bumpier; bumpiest

1

: having or covered with bumps

2

a

: marked by bumps or jolts

b

: marked by or full of difficulties

bumpily

ˈbəm-pə-lē 

adverb

bumpiness

ˈbəm-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of bumpy

• rough
• uneven

Examples of bumpy in a Sentence

The road is very bumpy.

the bumpy skin of a cucumber

The flight was very bumpy.

The road was rough so we had a bumpy ride.

Recent Examples on the Web

Several activist investors were demanding big changes at the company—which had been going through bumpy times marked by underperforming acquisitions and large layoffs. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Tears, clinging and nervousness are familiar scenes at kindergarten drop-off, and understanding kindergarten separation anxiety can make the difference between a bumpy morning and one that builds a child’s confidence. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

SpaceX’s revenue jumped 92% from a year ago, blowing past Wall Street expectations in the rocket maker’s first post-IPO earnings report, after weeks of bumpy trading. — Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

For Warsh and Fed watchers alike, the next four years seem likely to be long and bumpy. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bumpy

• dumpy
• grumpy
• jumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy

Kids Definition

bumpy

adjective

ˈbəm-pē 

bumpier; bumpiest

: marked by bumps or bumping

a bumpy ride

bumpy skin

bumpily

-pə-lē 

adverb

bumpiness

-pē-nəs 

noun