sinkerball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/informal
Quick answer
What does “sinkerball” mean?
A type of pitch in baseball where the ball drops sharply as it approaches the batter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pitch in baseball where the ball drops sharply as it approaches the batter.
A baseball thrown with a particular grip and spin to induce a sinking motion, typically resulting in ground balls. Informally, can refer to a plan or situation that fails or 'sinks' quickly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is specific to American baseball and not used in British sports (e.g., cricket). In the UK, it would be understood only in the context of discussing baseball.
Connotations
In American English: technical sports term with positive connotation for pitchers who master it. In British English: a foreign sports term with little to no connotation.
Frequency
Exclusively used in American English contexts; frequency is zero in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “sinkerball” in a Sentence
[pitcher] throws a sinkerballthe sinkerball [sinks/drops]a [two-seam] sinkerballVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinkerball” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The pitcher will sinkerball him next.
- He sinkerballed his way out of the inning.
adjective
American English
- He has a great sinkerball pitch.
- A sinkerball specialist was brought in.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare metaphorical use for a failing venture.
Academic
Only in sports science literature discussing baseball pitching mechanics.
Everyday
Only among baseball fans or players discussing the sport.
Technical
Standard term in baseball coaching and analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sinkerball”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sinkerball”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinkerball”
- Confusing it with a 'curveball' (breaks sideways/down) or a 'splitter' (drops late).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sinkerball has late, sharp downward movement, while a curveball has a more looping, sideways-and-downward break.
Rarely. It can be used metaphorically to describe a plan or idea that fails quickly, but this usage is not common.
The key is grip (often two-seam) and wrist action to create topspin, causing the ball to drop as it approaches the plate.
No, cricket uses different bowling techniques and terminologies. The closest equivalent might be a 'yorker' or a dipping delivery, but the mechanics are different.
A type of pitch in baseball where the ball drops sharply as it approaches the batter.
Sinkerball is usually technical/informal in register.
Sinkerball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋkəbɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋkərˌbɔl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That business plan was a real sinkerball. (metaphorical, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ball that sinks like a stone in water, used to 'sink' the batter's chances of hitting it in the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
DOWN IS SUCCESSFUL (for a pitcher); an object losing altitude/force.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary result of a successful sinkerball?