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

Peña is in a 5-for-52 funk and, after being hit by a 100 mph sinker Wednesday night, did not play Thursday. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

In a scary moment in the fifth, Angels left fielder Wade Meckler was hit in the head by a 90-mph sinker from reliever Bryan King. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Duran mixed sinkers, sliders and fastballs, inducing swings on six of his 12 pitches and rarely allowing hitters to square him up. — Latif Love, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Nick Allen pinch-hit for Jeremy Peña after Peña was hit by a 100-mph sinker on his hand in the first. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 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