bumpy

adjective \ ˈbəm-pē \

Updated on: 8 Dec 2017

Definition of bumpy

bumpier; bumpiest

1 : having or covered with bumps

2 a : marked by bumps or jolts

b : marked by or full of difficulties

—

bumpily

play \-pə-lē\ adverb

—

bumpiness

play \-pē-nəs\ noun

See bumpy defined for English-language learners

See bumpy defined for kids

Examples of bumpy in a Sentence

The road is very bumpy.
the bumpy skin of a cucumber
The flight was very bumpy.
The road was rough so we had a bumpy ride.

Recent Examples of bumpy from the Web

Keith Myers The Kansas City Star Edgemoor did encounter some bumpy air under questioning by council members.

— bill turque and steve vockrodt, kansascity, "Here's your first look at the new KCI single terminal plans," 5 Oct. 2017
Keith Brock, the store's manager, admits the store had a bumpy start.

— alexander coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Food fight: Will Clifton Market survive?," 11 Sep. 2017
But there’s no doubt that the Cowboys’ hopes of building on the success of 2016, a goal that is already off to a bumpy start, would become even more challenging without Elliott on the field.

— jenny vrentas, SI.com, "Ezekiel Elliott Suspended: A Win for the NFL, But Not So Much for Roger Goodell," 31 Oct. 2017
The assertion of maturity follows a bumpy adolescence, with problems including propulsion breakdowns and other readiness issues in some ships.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Austal has delivered sixth LCS, the Omaha, to Navy," 19 Sep. 2017
Moving on, the road got bumpier and windier; some places weren’t paved, and signs counseled a safe speed of 15.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "Maui’s heavenly Hana is more than just a road trip," 7 Sep. 2017
Roads were too bumpy, so riders in London and other cities used the sidewalks.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "This Wooden Running Machine Was Your Fixie’s Great-Great Grandpa," 17 Feb. 2017
But despite its bumpy path to premiere, the half-hour boasts names including co-creator Paul Reiser, and stars Tony Danza and Suburgatory's Jane Levy.

— kate stanhope, The Hollywood Reporter, "Here's What's Happening in TV This Week," 13 Nov. 2017
Every summer, the creases of Fusco's arms and legs would become bumpy, red, and dry, and sweat triggered by the hot weather would irritate and inflame the rashes.

— bella gerard, Health.com, "How Losing 45 Pounds Ended One Woman's Eczema for Good," 4 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bumpy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bumpy

1865

bumpy Synonyms

Synonyms

jerky, choppy, herky-jerky, jouncy, rough

Antonyms

even, flat, level, plane, smooth

Related Words

erratic, fitful, irregular, spasmodic, spastic, unsteady; jagged, ragged, uneven

Near Antonyms

calm, placid, smooth, steady, still

BUMPY Defined for English Language Learners

bumpy

adjective

Definition of bumpy for English Language Learners

of a surface : having or covered with bumps
: having sudden up and down movements
: having a lot of problems

BUMPY Defined for Kids

bumpy

adjective \ ˈbəm-pē \

Definition of bumpy for Students

bumpier; bumpiest

1 : having or covered with bumps

a bumpy road

bumpy skin

2 : having sudden up-and-down movements

a bumpy ride

Learn More about bumpy

See words that rhyme with bumpy Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bumpy Spanish Central: Translation of bumpy Nglish: Translation of bumpy for Spanish speakers

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Examples of bumpy in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bumpy from the Web

First Known Use of bumpy

bumpy Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

BUMPY Defined for English Language Learners

bumpy

Definition of bumpy for English Language Learners

BUMPY Defined for Kids

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