Search results for 'bump':

bump verb (bumped, bumping) 1 tr & intr (especially bump into or against something or someone) to knock or hit them or it, especially heavily or with a jolt. 2 to hurt or damage (eg one's head) by hitting or knocking it. 3 (usually bump together) intrans said of two moving objects: to collide. 4 (also bump along) intrans to move or travel with jerky or bumpy movements. 5 in air travel: to turn away (a passenger who holds a valid reservation for a seat on a flight) because the airline has allowed too many seats to be booked. 6 cricket a intrans said of a cricket ball: to bounce up high on striking the pitch; b said of a bowler: to bowl (a ball) so as to do this. noun 1 a knock, jolt or collision. 2 a dull sound caused by a knock or collision, etc. 3 a lump or swelling on the body, especially one caused by a blow. 4 a lump on a road surface. 5 (the bumps) an old custom in which the friends and family of a person, usually a child, celebrating his or her birthday, lift them up by their arms and legs, and give them series of thumps against the ground (usually the same number as their new age, plus one for luck). with a bump colloq with a harsh unpleasant suddenness • After the honeymoon, it was back to work with a bump.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: imitating the sound.