stopper

American  

[stop-er] / ˈstɒp ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that stops.

2. a plug, cork, bung, or other piece for closing a bottle, tube, drain, or the like.

3. Informal. something or someone that commands attention, as an unusual window display or a flamboyant person.

4. Cards. a card in a suit that prevents the successive taking of all tricks in the suit by the opponents.

5. Baseball Slang. a formidably and consistently effective pitcher counted on to win, as a team's best starting pitcher or a superior reliever often called on to preserve a victory; pitching ace.

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verb (used with object)

1. to close, secure, or fit with a stopper.

stopper British  

/ ˈstɒpə /

noun

1. Also: stopple.  a plug or bung for closing a bottle, pipe, duct, etc

2. a person or thing that stops or puts an end to something

3. bridge another name for stop

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verb

1. Also: stopple.  (tr) to close or fit with a stopper

Other Word Forms

• stopperless adjective

Etymology

Origin of stopper

First recorded in 1470–80; stop + -er ¹

Explanation

A stopper is plug or a cork — it's designed to block the opening of a container by fitting partially inside it. The rubber plug you use to keep your bath water from going down the drain is a type of stopper. The cork in the neck of a wine bottle is a stopper . Other kinds of stoppers halt or prevent something. A crime stopper keeps criminals at bay, and a conversation stopper is something you say that is so awkward or profound that no one can think of anything to say in response.

Example Sentences

Drivers have long wanted to put a permanent stopper on stop-start.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Yet Hall is far from a mere stopper.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The Czech Republic stopper, 22, endured a nightmare start and interim boss Igor Tudor quickly replaced him with Guglielmo Vicario.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Rashford's dangerous free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Mallorca stopper Leo Roman, and Yamal missed from point blank range as Jules Kounde sent the rebound into his path.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Not having a stopper, she used part of a clean cloth to plug the bottle.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh