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Definitions

pinch hitter

NOUN
substitute batter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backup designated hitter replacement
WEAK
DH alternate fill in proxy stand-in sub substitute understudy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He celebrated his 28th birthday on Friday by entering in the seventh inning as a pinch hitter and banging a game-tying single on his first-ever postseason swing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025

Colorado tacked on two runs off reliever Matt Sauer in the eighth on a lead-out single from pinch hitter Yanquiel Fernández’s and Doyle’s 13th home run of the season an out later.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

And in true fashion, Angels World Series MVP Troy Glaus made a surprise cameo as a pinch hitter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

After a walk to Brandon Marsh, Thomson let Rojas hit rather than use a pinch hitter for the light-hitting outfielder.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

I know that Gramps can’t be that late-inning pinch hitter I’d hoped for.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman