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
• wonderful
• prime
• awesome
• superb
• stellar
• beautiful
• fantastic
• fabulous
• fine
• classic
• top
• hot
• cracking
• banner
• marvelous
• slick
• quality
• 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

Over the summer, NBIM CEO Nicolai Tangen told CNBC that investors should not expect a continuation of the bumper gains seen in the stock market in the first half of this year. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

At highway speeds, active side bumpers adjust and two rear diffuser fins extend automatically. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026

Police described the Nissan as having black wheels, a black rear bumper and a loud exhaust. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Growing up in Birmingham in the Nick Saban era made the pain of each loss worse, as the Crimson Tide was plastered over every bumper and yard sign and half of the shirts of my classmates. — Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 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