hamper
/ˈhæm.pə/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.26 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles or small animals.
noun
A wicker or plastic basket specifically for holding laundry (from clothes hamper).
American usage
noun
Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.
Example Sentences
- "a hamper of wine"
- "a clothes hamper"
- "an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels"
- "Competition pigeons are hampered for the truck trip to the point of release where the race back starts."
- "Near-synonym: hobble"
- "Wife. Away George, away, raise the watch at Ludgate, and bring a Mittimus from the Iustice for this desperate villaine. Now I charge you Gentlemen, see the Kings peace kept. O my heart what a varlet's this to offer manslaughter vpon the harmlesse Gntlewoman? Cit. I warrant thee (sweet heart) wee'l haue him hampered."
Etymology
From Middle English hamper, contracted from hanaper, hanypere, from Anglo-Norman hanaper, Old French hanapier, hanepier (“case for holding a large goblet or cup”), from hanap (“goblet, drinking cup”), from Frankish *hnapp (“cup, bowl, basin”), from Proto-Germanic *hnappaz (“cup, bowl”). Cognate with Old High German hnapf (“cup, bowl, basin”) (German Napf (“bowl”)), Dutch nap (“cup”), Old English hnæpp (“bowl”). More at nap.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈhæm.pə/
- British English: /ˈhæm.pə/
Usage
- American usage
- British usage
- Transitive verb