zinger

noun

zing·​er ˈziŋ-ər 

1

: something causing or meant to cause interest, surprise, or shock

2

: a pointed witty remark or retort

Examples of zinger in a Sentence

The candidate couldn't help getting off a zinger or two about his opponent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Better make sure those interview questions are properly researched and up to snuff — or else there could be some real zingers flying in from the interviewee. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

The long-running tradition, which includes barbecue, raffles and games, invites members of the public to hear from a lineup of political speakers slinging zingers at each other. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

And of course, the actor couldn’t let the moment go without sending on a little zinger Mackie’s way. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

Awards shows for comedians are often glorified roasts with lots of zingers and one-liners. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for zinger

• bringer
• clinger
• dinger
• inger
• ringer
• slinger
• springer
• stinger
• stringer
• winger
• wringer