Definition

Noun: 1. A serious or embarrassing mistake; a blunder: A bloomer is a foolish or stupid error, often one that causes embarrassment or inconvenience. 2. A plant that flowers in a specific manner or time: A bloomer is a plant, typically a flower, known for its particular blooming habit (e.g., a "night bloomer"). 3. (Historical/British) A type of loose trousers for women: This is an archaic term for a style of women's clothing, specifically full, loose trousers gathered at the ankles, worn in the 19th century as part of a movement for more practical dress.

Usage Examples

• As a mistake:
  • Forgetting the client's name during the presentation was a real bloomer.
  • The goalkeeper made a terrible bloomer, letting the ball slip through his hands.
• As a type of plant:
  • The evening primrose is a famous night bloomer.
  • This rose is a repeat bloomer, producing flowers from spring until fall.
• (Historical):
  • In the 1850s, Amelia Bloomer advocated for women to wear the garment that became known as "bloomers."

Advanced Usage

• "To drop a bloomer": This is a British English idiom meaning to make a silly or embarrassing mistake.
  • The politician dropped a real bloomer during the live interview.

Variants and Related Words

• Blooming (adj): Used as an intensifier, often euphemistically (e.g., ).
• Bloomerang (n, trademark): A type of bread, specifically a crusty, oval-shaped loaf.

Synonyms

• Blunder: A careless or stupid mistake.
• Gaffe: An unintentional act or remark causing social embarrassment.
• Faux pas: A socially awkward or tactless act.
• Howler: A glaring and amusing mistake.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Make a bloomer: Synonymous with "drop a bloomer," meaning to commit a foolish error.
  • I think I've made a bit of a bloomer with the hotel booking dates.

Noun

1. an embarrassing mistake
2. a flower that blooms in a particular way
   • a night bloomer