What does "zinger" mean?
A very rapidly moving object, especially one that is thrown.
Zinger
/ˈzɪŋə(ɹ)/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A very rapidly moving object, especially one that is thrown.
- Grammar: zinger is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: barb, blockbuster, flips, marvel.
- Useful contrasts: blandness, dud, dull remark.
- Usage evidence: The pitcher threw a real zinger and struck him out.
How to use "zinger"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "zinger" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "zinger" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "zinger" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "zinger" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "zinger" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "barb" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "zinger", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A very rapidly moving object, especially one that is thrown. Canada, US, informal
"The pitcher threw a real zinger and struck him out."
- 2 a striking or amusing or caustic remark wordnet
- 3 A surprising or unusually pointed, humorous and impressive insult or insulting quip. Canada, US, informal
"I wasn't looking to make friends; there had been too much animosity between us in the past, and maybe the guy had a zinger waiting on me."
- 4 An event that when experienced leaves the witness dazed, either physically or metaphorically. Canada, US, informal
"I was still reeling from the zinger of seeing my ex on a date with my best friend."
- 5 An outstanding, energetic and surprising thing or person. Canada, US, informal
"They'd have to come up with a zinger for their Christmas windows to compete with that competitor's laughing Santa Claus and Stefan had that zinger in his proposal submitted to the President of the company."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A piece of food or drink that is tart and stimulating. Canada, US
"Gonna eat bran muffins till they close this bakery down I ain't been nothing but hungry since my baby ain't around I'm gonna mix red zinger with my ginseng tea I'm probably gonna gain about 20 pounds."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
- 2 A name used for several KFC products (e.g. Zinger Box).
Example
"The pitcher threw a real zinger and struck him out."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "zinger"?
Common synonyms include: barb, blockbuster, flips, marvel, quip, retort.
How do you use "zinger" in a sentence?
The pitcher threw a real zinger and struck him out.
How do you pronounce "zinger"?
Pronounced /ˈzɪŋə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From zing + -er.