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
Bruce A. Scruton2
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
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
Sports Illustrated3
: 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
Carl RuffExamples of bullpen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The bullpen will also be strengthened with the additions of Matt Strahm, Nick Mears and Alex Lange this offseason.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
The bullpens have been exceptional, the pitch movements.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Volantis rode a uniquely dynamic sinker and borderline unhittable slider to a remarkable freshman season pitching out of the bullpen.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
As for the bullpen, the team will be without Ronny Henriquez, one of their top high-leverage arms in 2025, but beefed up the group by signing closer Pete Fairbanks and lefty John King this offseason.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Opportunity is what the Twins’ bullpen has provided a number of relievers since last season’s trade deadline sell-off, and now, there are a bunch of veterans trying to make the most of that opportunity.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
The Texas bullpen threw the third-slowest average fastball in baseball last season but remained effective because of its elite ability to throw strikes and limit walks.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Díaz should stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
—Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
And there’s always a need in the bullpen.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
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.
Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
The bullpens have been exceptional, the pitch movements.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Volantis rode a uniquely dynamic sinker and borderline unhittable slider to a remarkable freshman season pitching out of the bullpen.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
As for the bullpen, the team will be without Ronny Henriquez, one of their top high-leverage arms in 2025, but beefed up the group by signing closer Pete Fairbanks and lefty John King this offseason.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Opportunity is what the Twins’ bullpen has provided a number of relievers since last season’s trade deadline sell-off, and now, there are a bunch of veterans trying to make the most of that opportunity.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
The Texas bullpen threw the third-slowest average fastball in baseball last season but remained effective because of its elite ability to throw strikes and limit walks.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Díaz should stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
—Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
And there’s always a need in the bullpen.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
