stopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; can be technical in specific domains (e.g., sailing, chemistry).
Quick answer
What does “stopper” mean?
An object that blocks or closes an opening, especially in a container.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object that blocks or closes an opening, especially in a container.
Someone or something that brings an activity, process, or event to an end; a decisive or concluding action. In sports, a reliable player who prevents opponents from scoring (e.g., a pitcher in baseball).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage largely identical. 'Bung' is a closer British synonym for a plug in a cask. 'Stopper' is the standard term for a wine bottle closure in both.
Connotations
In both, 'show stopper' means a performance/item that gets huge applause. 'Stopper' in football/soccer (UK) is a defensive midfielder; in baseball (US), a pitcher who ends a losing streak.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in sports contexts (baseball 'stopper').
Grammar
How to Use “stopper” in a Sentence
N (as subject) + V: The stopper prevents leaks.V + N (as object): He inserted the stopper.Adj + N: a tight rubber stopperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stopper” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The decanter came with a beautiful crystal stopper.
- He's been the defensive stopper for the team all season.
American English
- Make sure the stopper is in the drain before filling the sink.
- The manager needs a reliable stopper in the bullpen.
verb
British English
- She carefully stoppered the vial of perfume.
American English
- He stoppered the flask to prevent the chemical from evaporating.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The lawsuit was a stopper on the merger.'
Academic
Technical in chemistry/lab contexts for a piece of equipment (e.g., 'ground glass stopper').
Everyday
Common for bottles, especially decorative or wine bottles. 'I can't find the stopper for this decanter.'
Technical
Specific in sailing (a device to secure a rope), chemistry (lab equipment), and sports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stopper”
- Using 'stopper' for a permanent lid or cap (e.g., on a jar). Confusing 'stopper' (removable plug) with 'lid' (cover).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A stopper is typically a plug that fits into an opening (like a bottle neck), while a lid rests on top of an opening (like on a jar or pan).
Yes, though it's less common. It means 'to close or seal with a stopper' (e.g., 'He stoppered the flask').
It's an idiom for a performance, song, or act that is so impressive it receives prolonged applause, momentarily stopping the show. It can also mean a critical problem that halts a project.
It is neutral. It is the standard, non-formal term for objects like bottle plugs. It can be technical in specific fields like chemistry or sailing.
An object that blocks or closes an opening, especially in a container.
Stopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɒp.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑː.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put a stopper on something (to stop or suppress it)”
- “show stopper”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TOPPER (a top student) who STOPS everyone else from getting first place by being the best – a 'stopper'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING/CONTAINING (to put a stopper on gossip); AN END IS A BLOCKAGE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stopper' LEAST likely to be used?