pinch-hit

1 of 2

verb

ˈpinch-ˈhit How to pronounce pinch-hit (audio)
ˌpinch-
pinch-hit; pinch-hitting; pinch-hits

intransitive verb

1
: to act or serve in place of another
2
: to bat in the place of another player especially when a hit is particularly needed

pinch hit

2 of 2

noun

: a hit made by a pinch hitter

Examples of pinch-hit in a Sentence

Verb assigned to pinch-hit as a math teacher for the remainder of the semester
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
More news: Pioneering Baseball Legend, Yankees Broadcaster, Passes Away In Feb. 1964, Warwick was traded back to St. Louis, for what would become a reserve outfielder/pinch-hitting role. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 The Cubs took the lead in the fifth on Justin Turner’s two-out, pinch-hit, infield single with the bases loaded. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
Drake Baldwin thriving in role Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin’s role has been reduced since veteran Sean Murphy returned from the injured list, but Baldwin is excelling in his opportunities to catch a couple of times a week and also DH or pinch hit occasionally. David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Warriors coach Jake Zajc will often save him for the right moment, bringing him in to pinch hit in a big situation. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinch-hit

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from pinch hitter

First Known Use

Verb

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinch-hit was in 1911

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pinch-hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinch-hit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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