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bumper car

American  

noun

  1. (in an amusement park) a small, carlike electric vehicle with an encircling rubber bumper that one maneuvers around an enclosed arena while purposely bumping other vehicles.


bumper car British  

noun

  1. Also called: Dodgem.  a low-powered electrically propelled vehicle driven and bumped against similar cars in a special rink at a funfair

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bumper car

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Or challenge each other to bumper cars and free throws at the indoor sports complex.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to playing video games, don’t mess with the esports trio from Franklin High known for their expertise in the “Rocket League,” which is a video game that mixes soccer with bumper cars.

From Los Angeles Times

The bumper cars sat in their own shadows.

From Los Angeles Times

Sharper Image Bumper Rivals Remote control bumper cars go head-to-head, ejecting characters from cars with fun sound effects when bumped in this fun driving game for ages 6 and up.

From Seattle Times

Driving along the street was a little like driving bumper cars at the amusement park.

From Seattle Times