sinker

noun

sink·​er ˈsiŋ-kər 

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

Pérez adjusted by leaning more heavily on his sinker than his four-seam fastball during the inning. — Tyler M. Carmona july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

And if that changeup choice seems surprising, keep in mind that the one player who wanted a Cristopher Sanchez pitch asked specifically for his sinker, not his changeup. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Bellinger and Rice singled on up sinkers from Sánchez, who struggled through a 34-pitch inning that included three hits and two walks. — Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Bellinger and Rice both singled on up sinkers from Sánchez, who struggled through a 34-pitch inning that included three hits and two walks. — Ronald Blum, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sinker

• hook, line and sinker

Rhymes for sinker

• clinker
• drinker
• linker
• pinker
• thinker
• tinker
• freethinker

Kids Definition

sinker

noun

sink·​er ˈsiŋ-kər 

1

: one that sinks

especially : a weight for sinking a line or net

2

: doughnut sense 1