bumper-to-bumper

American  

[buhm-per-tuh-buhm-per] / ˈbʌm pər təˈbʌm pər /

adjective

1. marked by a long line of cars moving slowly or with many stops and starts, one behind the other.

   bumper-to-bumper traffic.

2. Informal. following one another in profusion.

   bumper-to-bumper worries.

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Etymology

Origin of bumper-to-bumper

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

From lane-detection assistance to help in bumper-to-bumper conditions, vehicles are increasingly taking responsibility for controlling themselves, which has left many car owners recalibrating what it means to be a driver.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I-405” is a frenetic, driving, cinematic journey that perfectly captures the drama and beauty roiling underneath bumper-to-bumper frustration.

From Los Angeles Times

To Angelenos who get stuck in bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic every day, the prospect of a diminished population might seem enticing.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of the motorists sitting bumper-to-bumper on Hatfield Road would not have been able to point to the bridge on a map a decade ago.

From BBC

Fire trucks from as far afield as San Diego and Contra Costa counties were parked bumper-to-bumper along one stretch.

From Los Angeles Times