Phrase guide

bumper sticker

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An adhesive label or decal, usually applied to the bumper or back end of an automobile, and displaying a short political, promotional, philosophical, or humorous message.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Examples

  • He has a bumper sticker on his van that reads "faster than a speeding ticket".

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: car-sticker

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Canned insight; a slogan or saying that is trite or superficial.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, figuratively

Examples

  • bumper-sticker philosophy

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From bumper + sticker.

Across languages

Translations

21 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: bumpersticker — sticker
  • Esperanto: gluebla aŭtoŝildo — sticker
  • Finnish: puskuritarra — sticker
  • German: Autoaufkleber — sticker
  • Persian: برچسب سپر (barčasb-e separ) — sticker
  • Polish: nalepka na zderzak — sticker
  • Portuguese: adesivo de para-choque — sticker
  • Spanish: pegatina de parachoques — sticker
  • Swedish: stötfångardekal — sticker
  • Swedish: bakrutedekal — sticker
  • Czech: klišé — canned insight
  • Czech: banalita — canned insight
  • Finnish: hokema — canned insight
  • Finnish: yksinkertaistus — canned insight
  • Finnish: iskulause — canned insight
  • Polish: frazes — canned insight
  • Polish: komunał — canned insight
  • Polish: banał — canned insight
  • Polish: sztampa — canned insight
  • Polish: cliché — canned insight
  • Swedish: slogan — canned insight