bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

1

: a brimming cup or glass

2

: something unusually large

bumper

2 of 3

adjective

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

1

: unusually large

a bumper crop

2

: banner sense 2

bumper

3 of 3

noun (2)

bump·​er ˈbəm-pər 

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

Synonyms of bumper

Adjective

• excellent
• great
• terrific
• lovely
• prime
• wonderful
• awesome
• superb
• stellar
• beautiful
• fantastic
• fabulous
• fine
• classic
• top
• hot
• cracking
• marvelous
• banner
• quality
• slick
• neat

Noun (2)

• buffer
• fender
• shield
• pad
• cushion

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

Noun

Turo sent photos, one of which showed a scratch on the fender and a small hole in the bumper. — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

Also updated is the button layout, which is much appreciated (no more awkward reloading and vehicle boarding via the right front bumper, thank God), in addition to giving the Warthog traditional car controls, if that’s your preference. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Admittedly, similar sentiments were echoed when Meslier signed his bumper deal at 21, but Trafford’s age, England status and recent track record bode well. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 July 2026

What if the bumpers on the lane were a little bit tighter together? — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing bumper

• bumper car
• bumper crop
• bumper sticker
• bumper-to-bumper

Rhymes for bumper

• dumper
• jumper
• pumper

Kids Definition

bumper

1 of 2 adjective

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər 

: 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