Words / B1

SPEEDB-ump/ˈspiːd bʌmp/

A speed bump (id: speed-bump) is a raised ridge across the road that forces cars to slow down, often near schools and on estates. UK informal sleeping policeman. A speed camera photographs you; a bump is physical. Countable. Drive slowly over them or you will scrape the underside.

Meaning

A raised ridge in the road that forces cars to slow down.

Examples

• “There is a speed bump outside the school gate.”
• “There are three speed bumps between the shops and the school gate.”
• “The speed bump is faded, but you still feel it if you go over thirty.”

Good to know

a speed bump. Informal UK: a sleeping policeman. Contrast: a speed camera (photographs, does not bump).

Near in meaning

sleeping policeman

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