# bumpy

/ˈbəmpi/ (US) · /bˈʌmpi/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bumpy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having a surface that is not smooth or flat. You use this to describe a road or a ride that makes you bounce up and down.

For teachers: characterised by an uneven surface or frequent jolts. Often describes physical terrain or the quality of motion during travel.

## Examples

- The car bounced along the bumpy dirt road.
- The flight was quite bumpy because of the strong winds over the mountains.
- After years of neglect, the once-smooth asphalt had become so bumpy that local residents petitioned the city council for urgent repairs to prevent damage to their vehicles.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used both literally for surfaces and figuratively to describe a difficult process or period of time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.