dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

1

: a boat made by hollowing out a large log

2

a

: a shelter dug in a hillside

also : a shelter dug in the ground and roofed with sod

b

: an area in the side of a trench for quarters, storage, or protection

3

: either of two low shelters on either side of and facing a baseball diamond that contain the players' benches

Examples of dugout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dynamic has shifted in the dugout too following Klopp’s exit. —Sam Lee, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap; and assistance from the dugout is not allowed. —Ronald Blum, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025

Loading your audio article SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Willy Adames didn’t need much time to excite the contingent of fans seated behind the first-base dugout at Scottsdale Stadium on the first day of full-squad workouts. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025

Alongside Wacha, Lugo helped younger players last year by offering advice and having in-game dugout meetings after starts. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dugout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

1

: a boat made by hollowing out a log

2

: a shelter dug in a hillside or in the ground

3

: a low shelter facing a baseball diamond and containing the players' bench