sinker

noun

sink·​er ˈsiŋ-kər How to pronounce sinker (audio)
1
: one that sinks
specifically : a weight for sinking a fishing line, seine, or sounding line
2
: doughnut
3
: a fastball that sinks as it reaches the plate

called also sinker ball

Examples of sinker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In May and June, about a quarter of the pitches that Eldridge saw were fastballs (four-seam, sinkers, cutters) in the strike zone. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 Dobnak threw 65 strikes among his 94 pitches, and Statcast showed six hits were allowed on his sinker. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 Iván Herrera followed with an RBI double off of a Warren sinker, also to deep center field. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Masataka Yoshida then singled to load the bases for Durbin, who hit the grand slam on a 1-0 sinker to give the Red Sox a 5-0 lead. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sinker

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinker was in 1526

Phrases Containing sinker

Rhymes for sinker

See All Rhymes for sinker

Browse Nearby Words

sinkbox
sinker
sinker bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinker. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sinker

noun
sink·​er ˈsiŋ-kər How to pronounce sinker (audio)
1
: one that sinks
especially : a weight for sinking a line or net
2
: doughnut sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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