dunker

1 of 2

noun (1)

dunk·​er ˈdəŋ-kər How to pronounce dunker (audio)
: one that dunks
especially : a basketball player who makes dunk shots

Dunker

2 of 2

noun (2)

Dun·​ker ˈdəŋ-kər How to pronounce Dunker (audio)
variants or Dunkard
: a member of the Church of the Brethren or any of several other originally German Baptist denominations practicing trine immersion and love feasts and refusing to take oaths or to perform military service

Examples of dunker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Late in the season, Thompson was unlocked in the dunker’s spot, a testament to his positionless approach that lends well to the modern game. The Athletic Staff, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 Thompson at this point appears to be just as versatile a defender, if not more, while adding dynamism to the team’s offense with his ability to attack the rim (from the dunker’s spot) and push the pace. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 His role changed, moving off the ball and leaning into new aspects of his game — screening, playing out of the dunker spot, increasing his catch-and-shoot production — which often felt less comfortable than a traditional point guard role. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2024 Dominque Wilkins, one of the most electrifying dunkers in NBA history, recovered from an Achilles tear in nine months in 1992 and fully regained his ability to elevate. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for dunker 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

dunk entry 1

Noun (2)

Pennsylvania German Dunker, from dunke

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1919, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1744, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dunker was in 1744

Dictionary Entries Near dunker

Cite this Entry

“Dunker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dunker. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!