bump

bump · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A light blow or collision.

  2. 2.

    A raised area or swelling on a surface or body.

  3. 3.

    [informal]A small increase.

  4. 4.

    [pregnancy, informal]A pregnant woman's belly.

  5. 5.

    To knock or strike against something.

  6. 6.

    To move with jerky motions.

  7. 7.

    [informal]To displace someone from their position.

Forms

plural: bumps

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bump into — To meet someone by chance.
  • •
    bump off — To kill (slang).
  • •
    speed bump — A raised portion of road to slow traffic.
  • •
    bump up — To increase.

Related words

See also: bumped, bumps, collision, knock
Synonyms: collision, jolt, knock, lump

Etymology

Imitative origin, representing the sound of a collision. First recorded in the 16th century.