hamper

8 synonyms and 1 antonym for hamper, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A large basket with a lid, used to carry or store items such as laundry or food.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

bond

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

handicap hinder

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

cramp halter shackle strangle trammel

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A large basket with a lid, used to carry or store items such as laundry or food.

“She tossed her dirty clothes into the laundry hamper.”

bond handicap hinder cramp halter shackle strangle trammel

2. verb

To slow down or get in the way of someone's progress.

“Heavy snow hampered rescue efforts for most of the day.”

cramp halter hinder strangle handicap

Opposites

foster

How to use hamper

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

laundry hamper gift hamper hamper progress hampered by

Etymology

From an Anglo-Norman word for a case that held a large cup or goblet, ultimately from a Frankish word for a bowl or cup — the "basket" and "obstruct" senses developed separately over time.

Full origin of hamper →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hamper” mean?

The word “hamper” means a large basket with a lid, used to carry or store items such as laundry or food. In plain terms, a lidded basket, or (as a verb) to hold something back or make it harder to progress.

How do you pronounce “hamper”?

“Hamper” is pronounced HAM-puh (/ˈhæm.pɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “hamper” in a sentence?

Here is “hamper” used in a sentence: “She tossed her dirty clothes into the laundry hamper.”

What part of speech is “hamper”?

Depending on how it is used, “hamper” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “hamper” come from?

The word “hamper” comes from Anglo-Norman. From an Anglo-Norman word for a case that held a large cup or goblet, ultimately from a Frankish word for a bowl or cup — the "basket" and "obstruct" senses developed separately over time.

Is “hamper” a common word?

“Hamper” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “hamper” have?

“Hamper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large basket with a lid, used to carry or store items such as laundry or food.

People also searched

bond foster handicap hinder cramp trammel shackle halter strangle

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of hamper