How Do You Spell SINKER?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪŋkə] (IPA)

Sinker, a noun referring to a weight used to sink fishing lines or nets, is spelled as /ˈsɪŋkər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "sɪŋ", rhyming with the word "sing". The second syllable is pronounced as "kər", similar to the word "cur". The spelling of "sinker" follows English language orthography rules, where "i" represents the short "ɪ" vowel sound, and "e" at the end of the word indicates that the "k" sound is not voiced.

SINKER Meaning and Definition

  1. A sinker is a term used to describe various objects or devices that are specifically designed to sink or exert downward pressure in a fluid or body of water. It is typically used in reference to fishing gear, specifically a type of weight or lure used to sink the fishing line to a desired depth in the water, ensuring the bait reaches the target species effectively.

    In the context of fishing, a sinker is usually made of lead or another heavy material, and it is attached to the fishing line above the hook or lure. The primary purpose of a sinker is to counteract the buoyancy of the fishing line and control the depth at which the bait is presented in the water. This is particularly useful when fishing in deep waters, strong currents, or when targeting fish that reside close to the bottom.

    The shape and design of sinkers can vary, with common types including pyramid sinkers, bullet sinkers, egg sinkers, and split shot sinkers. Each type has its own advantages depending on the fishing conditions and target species. Additionally, sinkers can be further customized by adding additional features such as swivels or clips to facilitate quick and easy attachment to the fishing line.

    Overall, sinkers play a crucial role in angling by providing the necessary weight and control to effectively present bait to fish in various aquatic environments.

  2. He who or that which sinks.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SINKER

Etymology of SINKER

The word "sinker" has a couple of different etymological origins, depending on the context in which it is used.

1. In the context of fishing: The term "sinker" originated from the Old English word "sincan" meaning "to sink". In this sense, a fishing sinker is an object, typically made of metal, that is attached to fishing lines and hooks to help them sink to desired depths in water. Over time, "sincan" evolved into "sinken" in Middle English, and eventually transformed into "sinker".

2. In the context of baking: The term "sinker" refers to an undesirable texture when baking cakes or bread. It is believed that the word originates from the phrase "to go down like a lead sinker", where "sinker" is likened to a heavy sinker used in fishing.

Idioms with the word SINKER

  • swallow hook, line, and sinker The idiom "swallow hook, line, and sinker" means to completely and unquestioningly believe a story, statement, or deception without any skepticism or doubt. It refers to someone falling for something completely, just like a fish that swallows a baited hook, the fishing line, and the sinker (a weight used to make the bait sink).
  • hook, line, and sinker The idiom "hook, line, and sinker" means to completely or unquestioningly believe or be deceived by something, often referring to being fully convinced or tricked without any doubts or reservations. It originated from fishing terminology, where the hook, line, and sinker are all components of a fishing rod, and if a fish bites the bait and swallows the hook, line, and sinker completely, it is fully caught or deceived.
  • swallow sth hook, line, and sinker To "swallow something hook, line, and sinker" means to fully believe or accept something without question or hesitation, often implying that the individual has been deceived or fooled. It originates from fishing terminology, where a fish that takes the bait fully consumes it, including the hook, the fishing line, and even the sinker (a weight that keeps the bait submerged). In the idiom, the "hook, line, and sinker" represent elements of a deceptive story or hoax that someone naively believes entirely.
  • fall for someone hook, line and sinker The idiom "fall for someone hook, line and sinker" means to completely and unquestioningly believe in or be deceived by someone or something. It originated from fishing terminology, where the "hook, line, and sinker" refers to the complete set used to catch a fish. In the context of relationships or deception, it implies being fully and easily captivated or fooled by someone's charm, words, or actions.
  • fall for (someone or something) hook, line and sinker The idiom "fall for (someone or something) hook, line and sinker" means to be completely and unquestionably fooled or deceived by someone or something, typically due to one's gullibility or naivety. It implies that the person has fully believed and accepted a lie, scam, or false information without any skepticism or doubt. The idiom originates from fishing, where the "hook" signifies the bait, the "line" represents the connection between the bait and the angler, and the "sinker" is the weight that ensures the bait sinks deep into the water. So, falling for someone or something "hook, line, and sinker" means being completely taken in or tricked.
  • fall for something hook, line and sinker The expression "fall for something hook, line and sinker" means to completely and unquestionably believe or be deceived by something, often a lie or a trick, without showing any skepticism or doubt. It originates from fishing terminology, where the phrase refers to a fish that not only bites the bait (the hook) but also swallows the entire fishing line and, ultimately, the sinker. Thus, it implies being fully influenced or taken in by someone or something.
  • fall for sb hook, line and sinker The idiom "fall for sb hook, line and sinker" means to completely believe or be deceived by someone or something, usually in a gullible or unquestioning manner. It originates from fishing, where a fish that takes the bait (hook, line, and sinker) is completely caught or fooled.
  • fall for sth hook, line, and sinker The idiom "fall for something hook, line, and sinker" means to completely believe or be deceived by something without any skepticism or doubt. It often refers to being easily fooled or tricked by a clever argument, story, or manipulation. Just as a fish might bite a baited hook, a person who falls for something hook, line, and sinker accepts it wholeheartedly, without realizing the deception or ulterior motives behind it.
  • fall for hook, line and sinker The idiom "fall for hook, line, and sinker" means to believe something completely, without questioning or doubting it. It implies that someone has been easily deceived or fooled, as if they were caught by a fisherman using a baited hook, fishing line, and sinker.

Similar spelling words for SINKER

Plural form of SINKER is SINKERS

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