sinker

noun sink·er \ ˈsiŋ-kər \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of sinker

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

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Recent Examples of sinker from the Web

With two outs, Derek Dietrich put together a quality at-bat and served a run-scoring single to left off a 98-mph sinker.

— craig davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Urena's stuttering start, fielding lapses too much for Marlins to overcome in loss to Mets," 10 Apr. 2018
The couturiers know that the added spectacle of an intimate salon is the hook-line-and-sinker icing on the moneymaking cake.

— nick remsen, Vogue, "At Dolce & Gabbana’s New York City Alta Sartoria Show, a Dazzling Display of Everything From Razor-Sharp Tailcoats to Louisville Sluggers," 8 Apr. 2018
With runners on first and third base in the sixth inning and reliever Richard Bleier protecting a 3-2 lead, the crafty left-hander got Neil Walker to top a sinker softly down the third-base line.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Controversy without consequence for Orioles as manager Buck Showalter argues for double play on rundown," 7 Apr. 2018
More popular these days are Carolina-style rigs with a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, 3- to 4-foot leader and a floating jig and twister tail.

— d'arcy egan, cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 23: Wet, warm weather a boost for river anglers," 23 Mar. 2018
Poor mechanics contribute to poor command, and flat sinkers result in hard contact.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Surprise Five: Austin on minds of many in Rangers camp | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 20 Mar. 2018
Marlins highlights Starter Jacob Turner had his sinker working early, getting the first six outs on grounders.

— craig davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Marlins overcome homers by Judge, Gregorius in 7-5 win over Yankees," 11 Mar. 2018
Fister is known for his quality sinker, inducing a number of ground ball outs.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Why the Rangers' Doug Fister is happy he signed early on this off-season | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 9 Mar. 2018
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Perrin's goal this season is to become a true four-pitch pitcher and add a consistent curveball to go along with his sinker, slider and changeup.

— todd rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers prospect Jon Perrin is more than just a pitcher," 27 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sinker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sinker

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SINKER Defined for English Language Learners

sinker

noun

Definition of sinker for English Language Learners

: a weight used for holding a fishing line or net underwater
baseball : a fast pitch that drops lower as it reaches home plate

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Definition of sinker

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