popper

noun pop·per \ ˈpä-pər \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of popper

1 : one that pops; especially : a utensil for popping corn

2 slang : a vial of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite used illicitly as an inhalational aphrodisiac

See popper defined for English-language learners

See popper defined for kids

Recent Examples of popper from the Web

If the mirchi were Indian jalapeno poppers, the gobi was Indian Buffalo cauliflower.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Possibly too hot to handle: Polly tried Hyderabadi cuisine at Ravi's Hyderabad House in West Chester," 4 Apr. 2018
Other lures that Zaremba likes when Everglades water levels are low include topwater plugs such as Chug Bugs and Pop-Rs, and his fly-fishing customers have great success throwing poppers and woolly buggers.

— steve waters, miamiherald, "Canal fishing is about to get even better in the coming weeks. And here is why | Miami Herald," 30 Mar. 2018
Duke also signed on to play ambitious pill-popper Neely O'Hara in Valley of the Dolls, which became a box office success and a cult classic.

— samantha drake, Country Living, "How Patty Duke's Undiagnosed Mental Illness Wreaked Havoc on Her Love Life," 24 May 2017
These cod poppers, topped with a savory vinaigrette, make the perfect appetizer when served over a bed of salad greens.

— the good housekeeping test kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Crispy Cod Cakes with Almond-Pepper Vinaigrette," 24 Jan. 2017
This recipe for jalapeño popper macaroni and cheese is in the book, too.

— maya wilson, Anchorage Daily News, "Jalapeno popper macaroni and cheese: A childhood favorite grows up," 15 Feb. 2018
The Winter Olympics began with pre-ceremony events on Feb. 7 and continue until Sunday, Feb 25. -- Olympics (@Olympics) February 8, 2018 The opening ceremony is always an eye-popper with beautiful sets, choreography, music and visuals.

— cheryl wray, AL.com, "When is the 2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremony?," 8 Feb. 2018
The first is that, while poppers are traditionally fried, these are baked in the oven.

— daniel neman, sacbee, "Super Bowl? Super bacon!," 30 Jan. 2018
He’s done it all close to home, without any lonely late nights eating jalapeño poppers at a TGI Fridays in Chattanooga.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "Shohei Ohtani—Japan's Babe Ruth—is About to Change the Face of Baseball," 6 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'popper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of popper

1733

POPPER Defined for English Language Learners

popper

noun

Definition of popper for English Language Learners

: a pan or electric machine for making popcorn

Medical Dictionary

popper

noun pop·per \ ˈpäp-ər \

medical Definition of popper

slang

: a vial of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite especially when used illicitly as an inhalational aphrodisiac

Learn More about popper

See words that rhyme with popper Nglish: Translation of popper for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about popper

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up popper? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

popper

Definition of popper

Recent Examples of popper from the Web

First Known Use of popper

POPPER Defined for English Language Learners

popper

Definition of popper for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

popper

medical Definition of popper

Learn More about popper

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

popper

Definition of popper

Recent Examples of popper from the Web

First Known Use of popper

POPPER Defined for English Language Learners

popper

Definition of popper for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

popper

medical Definition of popper

Learn More about popper

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes