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.
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 The two-time American League MVP jumped on White Sox pitcher Jonathan Cannon’s 97 mph sinker and deposited the 392-foot blast into the Yankees bullpen to put New York up 3-1. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Willy Adames won a nine-pitch battle, taking a full-count, 94 mph sinker inside for a walk to force in a run for a 2-1 lead, and Bailey scored on Matt Chapman’s groundout to shortstop for a 3-1 lead. Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 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 23 Oct. 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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