pinch-hit

1 of 2

verb

ˈpinch-ˈhit 

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

Synonyms of pinch-hit

Verb

• substitute

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

Verb

Solak, who has now played at least one game with five different MLB teams, pinch-hit for Will Wagner in the fifth inning. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2026

But Nick Loftin, who pinch-hit for Michael Massey, committed a costly mistake, throwing just wide of Jac Caglianone, who was playing first base because Vinnie Pasquantino had exited the game earlier with an injury (more about that below). —Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026

Noun

Seaman is impressed with Fleck’s workload of helping out area parishes when they are shorthanded and need someone to come in and pinch hit for a mass or two. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

If Scott had thrown a scoreless inning and sent the game into the 10th, Roberts planned to have Ohtani pinch hit for Miguel Rojas, the third batter due up. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

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