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bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
a
: an unpleasant experience
specifically : a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug
b
: something that is unpleasant or disappointing
You can't go? What a bummer!
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
In more recent times, the way the day has become associated with too much - too much food, too much shopping, too many stores open too early - is also a bummer. NPR, 27 Nov. 2025 It was also marketed as the last film with Farmiga and Wilson as the Warrens, which is such a bummer, especially since there’s no sign of The Conjuring universe slowing down. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2025 This is kind of a bummer since Thunderbolt 5 is three years old as a standard. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 That must have been a real bummer since you guys had so much momentum. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 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 8 Dec. 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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