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.
Tyler Callihan then sent a sinker 412 feet to right for a three-run homer. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 While the image seems in constant motion, sinker fishing weights anchor the fabric in place. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Martín Pérez was on the mound for the home team, a soft-tossing veteran lefty who was pumping in 89-mph sinkers. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 June 2026 Against right-handed hitting Rodolfo Durán, Ohtani threw mostly sinkers and sweepers, with one four-seamer mixed in out of seven pitches. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 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 7 Jul. 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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