stopper

1 of 2

noun

stop·​per ˈstä-pər How to pronounce stopper (audio)
1
: one that brings to a halt or causes to stop operating or functioning : check: such as
a
: a playing card that will stop the running of a suit
b
: a baseball pitcher depended on to win important games or to stop a losing streak
also : an effective relief pitcher
2
: one that closes, shuts, or fills up
specifically : something (such as a bung or cork) used to plug an opening

stopper

2 of 2

verb

stoppered; stoppering ˈstä-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce stopper (audio)

transitive verb

: to close or secure with or as if with a stopper
stopper the bottle

Examples of stopper in a Sentence

Noun His comment was a conversation stopper.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The push to diversify comes as global sales of wine decline, reducing demand for cork wine stoppers which have long faced competition from cheaper plastic stoppers and screw tops. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024 The former mayor previously served on the board for the crime stoppers nonprofit, but had not been active on the board since 2016, the release states. Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
Technical fabrications are still making an appearance with a lot of wind stopper luxe nylons but in shapes and silhouettes that feel more part of a rtw collection than a purely function purchase. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 18 June 2024 Like O’Rourke, this debate will be one of his best chances to stopper any more losses. Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2019 See all Example Sentences for stopper 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stopper was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near stopper

Cite this Entry

“Stopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stopper. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

stopper

1 of 2 noun
stop·​per ˈstäp-ər How to pronounce stopper (audio)
1
: one that brings to a halt : check
2
: one that closes, shuts, or fills up
especially : something used to plug an opening

stopper

2 of 2 verb
: to close or fasten with or as if with a stopper
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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