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

What used to be ranch land, the area along Bonds Ranch Road is infamous for its bumper to bumper traffic after continuous growth over recent years. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Nov. 2025

The shortage pushed European wheat prices skyward, while across the Atlantic, a bumper harvest ensured that American wheat fed the world—at high prices. —David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025

As a tribute to the number of World Constructors’ Championships, 10 stars on the rear bumper have been hand-placed by none other than McLaren’s Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025

The Silverado is a single-cab truck with a steel front bumper. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

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