dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

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

Palencia celebrated coming off the mound, but the energy from the crowd could’ve carried him into the dugout. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Carlos Narváez led off with a single, then walked back to the dugout as Nate Eaton took his place. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

There can’t be any help from any other player on the field or in the dugout. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap; and assistance from the dugout is not allowed. —Ronald Blum, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dugout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

dugout

noun

dug·​out ˈdəg-ˌau̇t 

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