bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

bum·​mer ˈbə-mər How to pronounce bummer (audio)
: one that bums

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: an unpleasant experience (such as a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug)
2

Examples of bummer in a Sentence

Noun (1) boy, breaking your leg right before vacation is a bummer the cancellation of the holiday office party was a total bummer that new start-up company proved to be a real bummer Noun (2) a lifelong bummer, he never knew the satisfaction of having to work for a living
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
Bread service is often a bummer for folks with dietary restrictions, Manaker says, but not at this Animal Kingdom African and Indian hot spot. Karla Walsh, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 July 2025 Whether your hair is naturally dry or parched from excessive color treatments and heat styling, brittle strands are a stubborn bummer. Annie Blackman, Glamour, 14 July 2025 The only bummer about Monday's announcement is the fact that it was funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 It’s not been a great start to the year for Blumhouse, which also produced springtime bummer The Woman in the Yard. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bummer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of German Bummler loafer, from bummeln to dangle, loaf

Noun (2)

bum entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1855, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bummer was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Bummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bummer. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

bummer

noun
bum·​mer
ˈbəm-ər
1
: an unpleasant experience, event, or situation
2
: something that fails : flop
Etymology

Noun

2bum

More from Merriam-Webster on bummer

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