bumpy

adjective

ˈbəm-pē 

bumpier; bumpiest

1

: having or covered with bumps

2

a

: marked by bumps or jolts

b

: marked by or full of difficulties

bumpily

ˈbəm-pə-lē 

adverb

bumpiness

ˈbəm-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of bumpy

• rough
• uneven

Examples of bumpy in a Sentence

The road is very bumpy.

the bumpy skin of a cucumber

The flight was very bumpy.

The road was rough so we had a bumpy ride.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verstappen had strong pace during qualifying at Monaco, but Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché wasn’t confident that would translate in Hungary because of how much had changed with the cars, plus the narrow and historically bumpy track layout. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2026

The cyclospora parasite’s long incubation period, the difficulty in tracking its path and what some experts have criticized as a bumpy federal response have all played a role in the widening outbreak. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 27 July 2026

The circuit is known for its sharp turns, bumpy surface, and high track temperature. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026

Off-road driving can be quite bumpy, slow-going and mentally taxing, making a good night's sleep more important than ever. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bumpy

• dumpy
• grumpy
• jumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy

Kids Definition

bumpy

adjective

ˈbəm-pē 

bumpier; bumpiest

: marked by bumps or bumping

a bumpy ride

bumpy skin

bumpily

-pə-lē 

adverb

bumpiness

-pē-nəs 

noun