hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhä-pər 

1

a

: one that hops

b

: a leaping insect

specifically : an immature hopping form of an insect (such as a grasshopper or locust)

2

[from the shaking motion of hoppers used to feed grain into a mill]

a

: a usually funnel-shaped receptacle for delivering material (such as grain or coal)

also : any of various other receptacles for the temporary storage of material

b

: a freight car with a floor sloping to one or more hinged doors for discharging bulk materials

called also hopper car

c

: a box in which a bill to be considered by a legislative body is dropped

d

: a tank holding liquid and having a device for releasing its contents through a pipe

e

: a mix of things to be considered or done

Examples of hopper in a Sentence

The company has several new product ideas in the hopper.

Recent Examples on the Web

Briefly: All-Star Josh Jung (fractured left thumb) fielded soft short hoppers at third base before Sunday’s game. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 3 Sep. 2023

The 22-pound hopper ensures longer performance without having to refuel, and the grill even has an induction cooktop for added versatility. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 26 May 2023

Tons of wheat, barley, corn, rye and soybeans arrived by train hopper car and left by ship. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2023

Look for a hopper that’s airtight and with a UV-blocking tint. —Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023

Three more have such proposals in the legislative hopper. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2023

Drop spreaders have a larger hopper than handheld spreaders, and their coverage area is usually larger. —Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2023

This three-in-one model is equipped with a large top hopper for shredding leaves or small twigs and a side hopper for chipping branches up to three inches in diameter—all at an impressive 15:1 reduction ratio. —James Fitzgerald, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2023

The other option, also open to park hoppers, is to pay for a la carte Individual Lightning Lane access to the ride. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hopper

• hip-hopper
• the hopper
• beach hopper

• hip-hopper
• the hopper
• beach hopper

Kids Definition

hopper

noun

hop·​per ˈhäp-ər 

1

a

: one that hops

b

: a leaping insect

especially : a young hopping form of an insect

2

a

: a usually funnel-shaped container for delivering material (as grain)

b

: a railroad car with a sloping floor and hinged doors

called also hopper car

c

: a tank with a device for releasing its liquid through a pipe

Biographical Definition

Hopper 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Hop·​per ˈhä-pər 

Edward 1882–1967 American artist

Hopper

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Grace 1906–1992 née Grace Brewster Murray American admiral, mathematician, and computer scientist

Hopper

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

(William) DeWolf 1858–1935 American actor