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
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.
Fedde was using a steady four-pitch mix, with his sinker being the predominant pitch. Katie Woo, New York Times, 10 May 2025 With two outs, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. swung big at a down-and-in sinker. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025 But that’s nothing compared to what’s going on with his sinker in the early going. Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The sinker was supposed to be a complementary pitch to keep the hitters off-balance and then go with a fastball above the bat. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinker. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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