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.
Ohtani reportedly threw mostly fastballs, cutters and sinkers with two sweepers and a sinker. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 28 May 2025 The right-hander pumped his fastball as high as 97.3 mph and averaged 95 on his sinker, both a tick below his season averages. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 This season, Doval continues to rely on his slider (53.5%) but has upped his cutter usage (44.2%) and nearly eliminated his sinker (2.3%). Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 May 2025 The right-hander tossed four scoreless innings and the game was tied 0-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth when Boston’s No. 9 hitter, catcher Carlos Narvaez, drilled a 1-0 sinker over the famed left field wall. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 May 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 6 Jun. 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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