zinger

noun

zing·​er ˈziŋ-ər How to pronounce zinger (audio)
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
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.
Her cutting zingers and sharp quips added to the comedy’s spice. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025 Crockett, who served as a national co-chair for the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, has emerged as a prominent face of the Democratic Party on Capitol Hill, becoming a household name for her viral zingers. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2025 Taurasi, 42, threw a zinger at Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the 2016 Rio Olympics, according to Time magazine. Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025 Place your zinger as the second-to-last line, before your call to action. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zinger

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinger was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Zinger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinger. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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