pinch hitter

noun

: one that pinch-hits

Synonyms

• backup
• cover
• designated hitter
• fill-in
• locum tenens
• relief
• replacement
• reserve
• stand-in
• sub
• substitute

Examples of pinch hitter in a Sentence

the business owners brought in a pinch hitter until a permanent manager could be hired

Recent Examples on the Web

The big question when Ichiro signed with the Marlins was if a seven-time Japanese batting champ, 10-time American League All-Star and AL Most Valuable Player winner would be content as a pinch hitter and fourth outfielder on a young team. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025

Brown appeared as a pinch hitter in the 1949 World Series and was hitless in two at-bats as Brooklyn lost to the New York Yankees in five games. —Beth Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

The infielder will likely serve primarily as a pinch hitter against right-handed pitchers, a role in which he’s thrived, going 4 for 7 with a walk, two doubles and four RBI in eight pinch hit plate appearances. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2024

Hays has had success in a limited sample as a pinch hitter this season. —Matt Gelb, The Athletic, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pinch hitter

noun

1

: a baseball player sent in to bat for another especially when a hit is needed

2

: a person called upon to do another's work in an emergency

pinch-hit

(ˈ)pinch-ˈhit

verb