1
a
: one that hops
b
: a leaping insect
specifically
: an immature hopping form of an insect (such as a grasshopper or locust)
2
[from the shaking motion of hoppers used to feed grain into a mill]
a
: a usually funnel-shaped receptacle for delivering material (such as grain or coal)
also
: any of various other receptacles for the temporary storage of material
b
: a freight car with a floor sloping to one or more hinged doors for discharging bulk materials
called also hopper car
c
: a box in which a bill to be considered by a legislative body is dropped
d
: a tank holding liquid and having a device for releasing its contents through a pipe
e
: a mix of things to be considered or done
Examples of hopper in a Sentence
The company has several new product ideas in the hopper.
Recent Examples on the Web
The miller would have poured grain into a hopper, which would funnel the grain between millstones, slowly crushing it into flour.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024
All 14 ping-pong balls used in the lottery were placed in the machine, each individually counted out by number as they were inserted into a hopper that resembled a piece of mega millions equipment.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hopper 
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024
All 14 ping-pong balls used in the lottery were placed in the machine, each individually counted out by number as they were inserted into a hopper that resembled a piece of mega millions equipment.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hopper
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Hopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopper. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hopper
noun
hop·per
ˈhäp-ər 
1
a
: one that hops
b
: a leaping insect
especially
: a young hopping form of an insect
2
a
: a usually funnel-shaped container for delivering material (as grain)
b
: a railroad car with a sloping floor and hinged doors
called also hopper car
c
: a tank with a device for releasing its liquid through a pipe
Biographical Definition
Hopper
2 of 3biographical name (2)
Grace 1906–1992 née Grace Brewster Murray American admiral, mathematician, and computer scientist
Hopper
3 of 3biographical name (3)
(William) DeWolf 1858–1935 American actor
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