bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
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
Apply cabinet bumpers on the four corners of each base to keep surfaces scratch-free. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025 The debut demonstrated how Wall Street is becoming more welcoming of bumper fintech listings. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 The image revealed the car brutally smashed up, missing its right headlight and with its bumper hanging off. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025 For the iPhone Air, Apple has revived its edge-to-edge bumper cases with a transparent back. PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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