dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
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
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.
Schultz, 21, remained in the dugout to watch Smith, 21, the following inning. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 The two benches clashed afterwards, with angry scenes in the dugout, including a water bottle being thrown. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 Challenges must be made immediately without consulting with anyone in the dugout. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The veteran players departed while Merrill stayed behind, watching the rest of the game from the dugout and cheering on minor leaguers until the final out. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dugout

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dugout was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dugout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dugout. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dugout

noun
dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dugout (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on dugout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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