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

Off-road driving can be quite bumpy, slow-going and mentally taxing, making a good night's sleep more important than ever. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

It’s been a bumpy first part of the season for Orlando City SC. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

The more likely outcome is that the midterms will make the rally bumpier rather than bring it to an end. — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Getting here is a mission in itself—fly, ferry, and drive across bumpy roads to this archipelago outpost amid a fragile eco-system. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 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