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

Adjective

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

The alliance has followed with a series of bumper monthly increases, and sped up even further in July. —Nayla Razzouk, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2025

In the 12 days of fieldwork, the researchers documented 101 whale shark encounters — a bumper year. —Matthew Abbott, New York Times, 27 July 2025

The only option on the SUV is the stainless steel rear bumper guard for $135. —Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 27 July 2025

Seasons 15 and 16, which were produced at the same time as part of a bumper order, saw the introduction of a Mega Wall. —Peter White, Deadline, 4 Aug. 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