noun
Uncommon
sucker
SUHK-uh
Sucker (noun) means a person who is easily fooled or persuaded. Example: “Only a sucker would fall for that scam.”
noun
1
A person who is easily fooled or persuaded.
"Only a sucker would fall for that scam."
"He's a sucker for a good sob story."
"I felt like a sucker after paying double for a fake ticket."
2
A round, sucking organ or structure that helps something stick to a surface.
"An octopus uses the suckers on its arms to grip prey."
3
A lollipop or piece of hard candy meant to be sucked.
"The dentist gave every kid a sucker after their checkup."
"He licked a cherry sucker all the way home from the fair."
"The shopkeeper kept a jar of suckers beside the till for children."
How to use sucker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone easily tricked, or a sticking/sucking part, or (informally) a lollipop.
When to use it
The "gullible person" sense is informal and can sound insulting.
Common pairings
sucker for
suction sucker
be a sucker
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Word forms
- Plural
- suckers
- Third person singular
- suckers
- Past tense
- suckered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would fall for that scam.
Etymology
From Middle English souker, from suck plus the agent suffix -er.
Related words
Rhymes for sucker
See all rhymes for sucker →Frequently asked questions
What does “sucker” mean?
The word “sucker” means a person who is easily fooled or persuaded. In plain terms, someone easily tricked, or a sticking/sucking part, or (informally) a lollipop.
How do you pronounce “sucker”?
“Sucker” is pronounced SUHK-uh (/ˈsʌk.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sucker” in a sentence?
Here is “sucker” used in a sentence: “Only a sucker would fall for that scam.”
What part of speech is “sucker”?
“Sucker” is a noun.
Where does the word “sucker” come from?
The word “sucker” comes from Middle English. From Middle English souker, from suck plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “sucker” a common word?
“Sucker” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sucker” have?
“Sucker” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who is easily fooled or persuaded.
What is the difference between calling someone a "sucker" and calling them "gullible"?
Calling someone a sucker is an informal, often dismissive way of saying they are easily fooled or persuaded, while gullible is a more neutral, descriptive adjective for the same trait. Sucker carries a stronger, mocking tone, often used after someone has already been tricked.
Is "sucker" appropriate in formal writing?
No, sucker is informal slang best reserved for casual speech; formal writing should use alternatives like "gullible person" or "easy target" instead.
What does "sucker" mean when talking about animals rather than people?
When applied to animals or objects, a sucker is a round, sucking organ or structure that helps something stick to a surface, such as the suckers on an octopus's tentacles.
Is a "sucker" the same thing as a "lollipop"?
Yes, in casual usage sucker is a common informal word for a lollipop or piece of hard candy meant to be sucked.
