bump

UK: bʌmp | US: bʌmp

Definition

  1. n. a slight swelling or raised area on a surface

  2. n. a light blow or collision

  3. vt. to knock or strike something lightly

  4. vi. to move with a jolting motion

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "bump" is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a light collision or thud. It emerged in Middle English (16th century) and retains its core sense of a minor impact or protrusion. Its vivid sound symbolism makes it memorable and widely applicable to physical contact or surface irregularities.

Examples

  1. She tripped over a small bump in the sidewalk.

  2. The car bumped into the fence but wasn’t damaged.

  3. Babies often get bumps on their heads from falling.

  4. The airplane bumped through turbulent clouds.

  5. He felt a bump against his leg in the dark room.