Word
sinker
US/ˈsɪŋkɝ/
UK/sˈɪŋkɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small heavy weight you fix to a fishing line to pull the hook down under the water.
n. a weight fastened to a fishing line, hook, or net to make it sink below the surface.
Examples
“He ties a sinker to his fishing line.”
“The angler adds a heavier sinker so the bait stays near the riverbed in the fast current.”
“Even with a live minnow wriggling on the hook, the old fisherman knew that without the right sinker the current would lift the whole rig uselessly toward the surface.”
Examples
simple
“He ties a sinker to his fishing line.”
contextual
“The angler adds a heavier sinker so the bait stays near the riverbed in the fast current.”
complex
“Even with a live minnow wriggling on the hook, the old fisherman knew that without the right sinker the current would lift the whole rig uselessly toward the surface.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sinker” in context.
Verb
01. add sinker
“If the float keeps drifting, add another sinker to balance it.”
verb + noun
02. attach sinker
“Attach the sinker about 30cm above the hook to keep the bait down.”
verb + noun
03. fish with sinker
“Most beginners learn to fish with a sinker and live bait.”
verb + prep + noun
04. lose sinker
“It is easy to lose a sinker when you fish among rocks.”
verb + noun
05. sinker drops
“You will feel a tap as the sinker drops onto the gravel bed.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. heavy sinker
“We need a heavy sinker to hold the bait near the riverbed in this current.”
adj + noun
07. lead sinker
“Many anglers now avoid the old lead sinker for environmental reasons.”
adj + noun
08. light sinker
“A light sinker is better for shallow water and shy fish.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. line with sinker
“Check the line with the sinker for tangles before casting.”
noun + prep + noun
10. add a small sinker
“Add a small sinker to get your hook a little deeper.”
11. feel the sinker hit
“Wait until you feel the sinker hit the riverbed.”
12. hook, line and sinker
“They believed the sales pitch hook, line and sinker.”
Etymology
From sink + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sinker