Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

winner

noun win·ner \ ˈwi-nər \
|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Definition of winner

: one that wins: such as
a : one that is successful especially through praiseworthy ability and hard work
b : a victor especially in games and sports
c : one that wins admiration
d : a shot in a court game that is not returned and that scores for the player making it

See winner defined for English-language learners

See winner defined for kids

Examples of winner in a Sentence

  1. The winners will receive their medals shortly.

  2. the winners and losers of the court case

  3. And the winner is…the blue team!

  4. With seconds left on the clock, she scored the winner.

Recent Examples of winner from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'winner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of winner

14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

winner Synonyms

Synonyms

blockbuster, hit, megahit, smash, success;

Antonyms

bomb, bummer, bust, catastrophe, clinker, debacle (also débâcle), dud, failure, fiasco, flop, misfire, turkey, washout;

Near Antonyms

disappointment, fizzle, lemon, loser;

Related Words

crackerjack (also crackajack), dandy, jim-dandy, pip, prizewinner;

gem, jewel, treasure;

marvel, natural, phenomenon, sensation, wonder;

coup, triumph, victory;

Phrases Related to WINNER

Related Phrases

WINNER Defined for English Language Learners

winner

noun

Definition of winner for English Language Learners

  • : someone or something that wins a contest, prize, etc.

  • : a very good or successful person or thing

  • sports : the final goal, point, etc., that wins a game

Learn More about winner

  1. See words that rhyme with winner Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for winner Spanish Central: Translation of winner Nglish: Translation of winner for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of winner for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up winner? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

balmy

play

soothing, mild, or foolish

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

winner

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games