in the dirt
idiom
baseball, of a pitch
: having hit the ground near home plate before reaching the catcher
He swung and missed at a curveball in the dirt.
Examples of in the dirt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are some bumps in the dirt, but this is mostly a very flat route and likely accessible for wheeled visitors, including with strollers or wheelchairs.
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Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The at-bat continued and Kelly struck Correa out with a breaking ball in the dirt.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
In overtime, Nix attacked the Bills' defense enough to put Buffalo in the dirt, with two pass-interference calls setting up a game-winning field goal.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
Stop Dirt In Its Tracks Add a doormat at the front door so that your family and guests will stop tracking in the dirt.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the dirt
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Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The at-bat continued and Kelly struck Correa out with a breaking ball in the dirt.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
In overtime, Nix attacked the Bills' defense enough to put Buffalo in the dirt, with two pass-interference calls setting up a game-winning field goal.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
Stop Dirt In Its Tracks Add a doormat at the front door so that your family and guests will stop tracking in the dirt.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the dirt
Cite this Entry
“In the dirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20dirt. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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