bullpen

noun

bull·​pen ˈbu̇l-ˌpen 

 also  ˈbəl-

variants or less commonly bull pen

plural bullpens also bull pens

1

: a large cell where prisoners are detained until brought into court

Commonly called the "bullpen," the court lockup is behind the courtroom and is used as a holding area for prisoners …

—Bruce A. Scruton

2

a

: a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up before they start pitching

In the bullpen, Goose Gossage is warming up.

—Tony Scherman

b

: the relief pitchers of a baseball team

After five innings Seattle led 14-2 and, with baseball's best bullpen waiting to protect the lead should starter Aaron Sele falter …

—Sports Illustrated

3

: an open work area not divided into offices

… an alternative to the traditional combination of private offices for the brass and bullpens for the workers.

—Carl Ruff

Examples of bullpen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It was later learned that Hollingsworth entered the bull pen to check on the water source, and the animal attacked him, knocking him unconscious, according to deputies. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2025

Right-hander Brad Keller has also made the team in the bullpen following a strong spring. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Long impressed in spring camp and carved out a significant role in the bullpen. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025

Cora also announced that Zack Kelly and Greg Weissert have both made the Opening Day roster, leaving one spot remaining in the bullpen. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025

Nardi’s absence leaves the Marlins without an experienced lefty in the bullpen. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025

Last year, some of the best bullpens had great numbers despite only middling fastball velocity — the Giants, Yankees, Rays and Diamondbacks, in particular, had great numbers and were also full of very different release points in the bullpen. —Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

However, the manager said the decision to carry Birdsong in the bullpen was twofold. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025

After a disappointing 82-80 season last year, ending with a fourth-place finish in the American League Central, the Minnesota Twins enter this season with high expectations, thanks to the development of their young players and a bullpen described by some MLB experts as the best in baseball. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bullpen

• again
• airmen
• amen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen
• ben

Kids Definition

bull pen

noun

1

: a large cell where prisoners are held until brought into court

2

a

: a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up

b

: the relief pitchers of a team