zinger
/ˈzɪŋə(ɹ)/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.40 in modern English
16
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A very rapidly moving object, especially one that is thrown.
Canadian usage; American usage; Informal
noun
A surprising or unusually pointed, humorous and impressive insult or insulting quip.
Canadian usage; American usage; Informal
noun
An event that when experienced leaves the witness dazed, either physically or metaphorically.
Canadian usage; American usage; Informal
noun
An outstanding, energetic and surprising thing or person.
Canadian usage; American usage; Informal
name
A surname.
Example Sentences
- "The pitcher threw a real zinger and struck him out."
- "On the first pitch from Kline, Lofton hits a zinger of a single into right field that J.D. Drew picks up on one bounce, and if he makes a good throw he has a chance to throw David Bell out at home plate."
- "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."
- "You might think it's almost worthwhile calling them and restarting the argument just to get that final zinger in. Why do you think of something good to say when it's too late?"
- "Boris Johnson is the most compelling personality in “Chums.” The shambolic style, the self-deprecating humor, the gift for zingers—it was all there in university, as was the elitist’s ambivalent approach to achievement."
- "I was still reeling from the zinger of seeing my ex on a date with my best friend."
Etymology
From zing + -er.