speed bump

noun

: a low raised ridge across a roadway (as in a parking lot) to limit vehicle speed

Examples of speed bump in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The greatest speed bump lodged between two of Denver’s all-time greats and a second ring might be the entity that owns them both. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 That includes reducing the number of lanes on roads dirt bikers use most, and even adding narrow speed bumps. Tara Lynch, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Governance is not a speed bump. Shiv Kaushik, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 With the injuries, the Quakes have hit some speed bumps, earning draws with Toronto and Vancouver before the loss to the Sounders snapped a 10-game unbeaten streak. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for speed bump

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speed bump was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speed bump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speed%20bump. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

speed bump

noun
: a low raised ridge across a roadway (as in a parking lot) to limit vehicle speed

More from Merriam-Webster on speed bump

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster