zinger

noun

zing·​er ˈziŋ-ər 

1

: something causing or meant to cause interest, surprise, or shock

2

: a pointed witty remark or retort

Examples of zinger in a Sentence

The candidate couldn't help getting off a zinger or two about his opponent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wendy is condescending, and even in their back and forth displayed all of the dismissive and snide psychoanalysis that Angel was alleging, but her inability to land zingers is always going to leave her on her back foot. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

Being a turkey is a rude zinger thrown at movie and theatrical flops, as well as unpleasant, failure-prone people. —Natalie Escobar, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025

Repressed resentment and grievances explode when his professional success takes a backseat to hers, and passive-aggressive zingers and hard feelings turn their relationship into a flaming hot mess. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

When Kelly’s big tribute finally kicks into gear, the man of hour watches as his life unfolds before his eyes, one zinger and explosion and zoom-in at a time. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for zinger

• bringer
• clinger
• dinger
• inger
• ringer
• slinger
• springer
• stinger
• stringer
• winger
• wringer