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

With a devastating combination of cutters, sinkers and fastballs, the young right-hander has racked up 234 strikeouts, third in the AL behind Cleveland Guardians ace Gavin Williams (244) and likely Cy Young runner-up Dylan Cease (239). — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

With a four-seamer, a cutter and a sinker, Schlittler throws some variation of a fastball roughly 90% of the time, making his rise all the more impressive and unique. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

The heater should pair well with his signature sinker, curveball and slider. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Ohtani fouled off the next two pitches before whiffing on a sinker to end the inning. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 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