1
: a brimming cup or glass
2
: something unusually large
1
: unusually large
a bumper crop
2
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
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
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The bumpers are designed for durability and recyclability, while wipe-clean surfaces and all-weather tyres as standard encourage use rather than preciousness.
—Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
As the Hyundai approached Cote’s cruiser, the driver allegedly attempted to drive around the drivers’ side of the cruiser and struck the front driver’s side fender and bumper area causing damage to both vehicles, state police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026
The gym features adaptive fitness equipment such as hand cycles for wheelchair users, NuStep and SciFit machines for those with limited mobility and bumper plates designed to be safer and easier to handle.
—Alexa Stone
january 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bumper
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Noun
Sturm has an acquaintance who classifies the bumper position as a diamond.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The bumpers are designed for durability and recyclability, while wipe-clean surfaces and all-weather tyres as standard encourage use rather than preciousness.
—Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
As the Hyundai approached Cote’s cruiser, the driver allegedly attempted to drive around the drivers’ side of the cruiser and struck the front driver’s side fender and bumper area causing damage to both vehicles, state police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026
The gym features adaptive fitness equipment such as hand cycles for wheelchair users, NuStep and SciFit machines for those with limited mobility and bumper plates designed to be safer and easier to handle.
—Alexa Stone
january 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bumper
Cite this Entry
“Bumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumper. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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