dink

[ dingk ]

/ dɪŋk /

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noun

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of dink

First recorded in 1900–05; by shortening and replacement of voiced consonant [g] with voiceless [k]

Words nearby dink

dining table, dinitrobenzene, dinitrogen tetroxide, dinitrophenol, dinitrophenylhydrazine test, dink, Dinka, dinkey, dinkie, dinkum, dinky

Other definitions for dink (2 of 4)

dink²

[ dingk ]

/ dɪŋk /

noun Tennis, Volleyball.

a softly hit ball that falls just over the net; drop shot.

Origin of dink

First recorded in 1935–40; imitative, probably influenced by dinky

Other definitions for dink (3 of 4)

dink³

[ dingk ]

/ dɪŋk /

noun Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

a contemptuous term used to refer to a Southeast Asian, especially a Vietnamese.

Origin of dink

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; compare Australian slang dink “Chinese person”; perhaps back formation from dinky, reinforced by rhyme with Chink

usage note for dink

This term was a disparaging and offensive slur applied to a Vietcong or North Vietnamese soldier during the Vietnam War.

Other definitions for dink (4 of 4)

dink⁴

or DINK

[ dingk ]

/ dɪŋk /

noun Informal.

either partner of a usually high-earning couple having two incomes and no children: Dinks may be able to retire early.

Origin of dink

⁴

First recorded in 1985–90; d(ouble) i(ncome), n(o) k(ids) or d(ual) i(ncome,) n(o) k(ids)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use dink in a sentence

Dink himself used the word “genocide,” but did not insist that everyone else do so.
Turkey's Problem with America|Christopher De Bellaigue|March 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST
"I believe Cousin Dink was lying, anyhow," declared Polly stoutly.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman|Emma Speed Sampson
This Cousin Dink is the limit for selfishness and impertinence.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman|Emma Speed Sampson
Polly thought they had been with Cousin Dink for about a year.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman|Emma Speed Sampson

They said the young woman, whom they call Cousin Dink, had sent them.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman|Emma Speed Sampson
Coming along the garden path was none other than the dreaded Dink.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman|Emma Speed Sampson

British Dictionary definitions for dink (1 of 2)

dink¹

/ (dɪŋk) /

adjective

Scot and Northern English dialect neat or neatly dressed

verb

Australian and NZ mainly children's slang

(tr) to carry (a second person) on a horse, bicycle, etc
(intr) (of two people) to travel together on a horse, bicycle, etc

Word Origin for dink

C16: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for dink (2 of 2)

dink²

/ (dɪŋk) sport /

noun

a ball struck delicately

verb

to hit or kick (a ball) delicately

Word Origin for dink

C20: imitative of a delicate strike

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012