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

As the pioneer in the category, Samsung went through a sometimes bumpy, and very public, learning process. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Getting candid about her split with ex-husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour, Allen gave fans a glimpse into a bumpy and heartbreaking period of her life. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026

The University of Miami freshman documented her bumpy start to school last week, and having to leave home for the first time. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

The 340-pound ball is just soft enough to bounce lightly over bumpy obstacles, but its slight overpressure keeps it relatively firm. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 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