bumper
bumper Lexical Profile
bumper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A horizontal bar fixed across the front or back of a motor vehicle to absorb impact and reduce damage in a collision.
"The mechanic had to replace the front bumper after the minor collision in the grocery store parking lot."
A device, pad, or cushion intended for absorbing shock or preventing damage from impact.
"We placed a small rubber bumper on the door frame to stop the metal handle from denting the plaster wall."
A glass or cup filled to the brim, especially one used for proposing a celebratory toast.
"The jovial host poured a bumper of ale for everyone at the table to celebrate the successful harvest."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'bumper' is almost exclusively used attributively (before a noun), most commonly in established collocations such as 'bumper crop', 'bumper harvest', or 'bumper year'.
• Rhymes for bumper
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 17th century (originally denoting a glass filled to the brim): from 'bump' + '-er'. The sense of an impact-absorbing bar on a vehicle dates from the late 19th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.