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.
In Game 7, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto bagged the final eight outs just one night after throwing 96 pitches across six innings, and the 5-foot-10 righty did it with improved velocity on both his sinker and four-seam fastball. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025 With runners on second and third base with one out, George Springer crushed a sinker from Mariners pitcher Eduard Bazardo 381 feet to the left-center field stands for a lead that would not be relinquished. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2025 At his best, Loáisiga’s sinker was devastating. Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 But the next batter, Betts, laced a first-pitch sinker into center for an RBI double. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 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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