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

Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

There are dugout suites, luxury suites and outdoor areas for groups called flight decks. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026

Television cameras turned to a cheerful group of Imai’s family and friends seated above the first-base dugout. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Challenges must be made immediately after a pitch is delivered and can be initiated by a pitcher, catcher or batter with no outside help from teammates or coaches inside the dugout. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026

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