stopper

1 of 2

noun

stop·​per ˈstä-pər How to pronounce stopper (audio)
1
: one that brings to a halt or causes to stop operating or functioning : check: such as
a
: a playing card that will stop the running of a suit
b
: a baseball pitcher depended on to win important games or to stop a losing streak
also : an effective relief pitcher
2
: one that closes, shuts, or fills up
specifically : something (such as a bung or cork) used to plug an opening

stopper

2 of 2

verb

stoppered; stoppering ˈstä-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce stopper (audio)

transitive verb

: to close or secure with or as if with a stopper
stopper the bottle

Examples of stopper in a Sentence

Noun His comment was a conversation stopper.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
My family has even added extra flairs to the viral cups, including spill stoppers, personalized name plates, and even a snack cup that sits on the lid. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Bsn, Parents, 10 Jan. 2024 Your major-suit stoppers are too weak to insist on 3NT. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2024 Similarly, to keep cold air from flowing beneath doorways, door draft stoppers or made at home out of a blanket or towel. Detroit Free Press, 21 Jan. 2024 While not a totally fool-proof solution, these spill stoppers help minimize the spills that can happen with an accidental knockover. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Bsn, Parents, 10 Jan. 2024 The wood display stand—which also holds wine stoppers and a foil cutter—also makes storage super easy! Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2024 The bottle was topped with a square glass stopper with two interlocking sans-serif C’s, marking the debut of Chanel’s now-iconic logo. Lindsay Talbot, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 Owner Morgan recommends the shop’s holiday bell bottle stoppers, European charcuterie boards, Greek brass pepper mills or the Papa Noel dish collection as great seasonal gifts. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Remove any drain cover or stopper that is obstructing your view of the drain. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023
Verb
Like O’Rourke, this debate will be one of his best chances to stopper any more losses. Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2019 Karius remains under fire following his high profile errors in the Champions League final in May, while Liverpool have met difficulty in the transfer market after being heavily linked with very expensive Roma and Brazil stopper Alisson. SI.com, 13 July 2018 Alexandre Lacazette and substitute Danny Welbeck both had one-on-one chances to score but both were thwarted by Terriers stopper Jonas Lossl. SI.com, 13 May 2018 Facebook Advertising Works On April 3, game wardens received an Operation Game Thief crime stoppers call alleging an individual was trying to sell an alligator on Facebook. Community Report Community Report, Houston Chronicle, 1 May 2018 The reviews from the keepers were far from glowing, with Napoli's Reina and Manchester United's De Gea teaming up with Die Mannschaft and Barcelona stopper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to criticize the new Adidas product. SI.com, 24 Mar. 2018 Having dictated play with their pressure off the ball in an organized approach, a costly mix-up between Terriers stopper Jonas Lossl and winger Lolley gifted the Hammers the lead in the 25th minute. SI.com, 13 Jan. 2018 Goalkeeper As far as goalkeepers were concerned, there was one clear winner for supporters as nearly half chose Manchester United and Spain stopper David de Gea. SI.com, 17 Oct. 2017 Fellow Magpies stoppers Karl Darlow and Tim Krul, on the other hand, are expected to be allowed to leave - but only for the right price, with the club having already rejected a £5m bid from Middlesbrough for Darlow. SI.com, 27 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stopper was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near stopper

Cite this Entry

“Stopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stopper. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stopper

1 of 2 noun
stop·​per ˈstäp-ər How to pronounce stopper (audio)
1
: one that brings to a halt : check
2
: one that closes, shuts, or fills up
especially : something used to plug an opening

stopper

2 of 2 verb
: to close or fasten with or as if with a stopper
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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