bumper

bump-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A horizontal bar at the front or rear of a vehicle to absorb impact in a collision.

  2. 2.

    A generous serving of a drink, especially wine.

  3. 3.

    Exceptionally large or abundant.

Forms

plural: bumpers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bumper crop — An unusually large harvest.
  • •
    bumper-to-bumper — Very close together (of vehicles); or comprehensive (of warranty coverage).
  • •
    bumper sticker — A sticker with a message displayed on a vehicle's bumper.

Related words

See also: buffer, bump, fender
Synonyms: buffer, fender, guard

Etymology

From "bump" + "-er" suffix. The automotive sense dates from the early 20th century; the adjective sense of "abundant" comes from 18th-century usage referring to a full glass.