bumper

1 of 3

noun (1)

bum·​per ˈbəm-pər How to pronounce bumper (audio)
Synonyms of bumpernext
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
The device, known as the Grappler, was released from where it was installed on the front bumper of a sheriff’s vehicle and onto the fleeing suspect’s back tires. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 For those who’d rather get out on the water, options range from kayaks and paddleboards to bumper boats and water-skiing. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 May 2026 Driver Denny Hamlin had some fun with Flagg while the rookie was driving the pace care riding his bumper from behind. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026 Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Exxon and TotalEnergies are all seeing bumper profits because of high oil prices and the wild swings in those prices. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 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 13 May. 2026.

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

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