damper

noun

damp·​er ˈdam-pər 

1

: a dulling or deadening influence

put a damper on the celebration

2

: a device that damps: such as

a

: a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft

b

: a small felted block to stop the vibration of a piano string

c

chiefly British : shock absorber

3

Australia : a simple usually unleavened bread of a kind made originally in the Australian bush

Synonyms of damper

• mute

Examples of damper in a Sentence

the pianist used the damper pedal on the piano for the quiet passages

Recent Examples on the Web

Sea-Doo has also added a hydraulic steering damper to reduce unwanted steering input and improve stability when riding at high speed. —New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026

But this Valentine’s Day, Kansas Citians shouldn’t let the weather put a damper in their plans. —Kendrick Calfee updated February 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026

Other mechanical improvement includes a titanium exhaust system, four-way adjustable dampers with electronic damping control, and carbon-ceramic brakes. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026

The venues in Beijing were mostly empty, and the teams were isolated from each other, subject to daily COVID tests and other inconveniences that put a notable damper on the experience. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing damper

• put a damper on

Rhymes for damper

• camper
• hamper
• pamper
• scamper
• stamper
• tamper

Kids Definition

damper

noun

damp·​er ˈdam-pər 

: one that damps : as

a

: a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft

b

: a device (as one of the felt-covered pieces of wood in a piano) used to deaden vibrations or oscillations

c

: a dulling or deadening influence

put a damper on the celebration