bullpen
noun
bull·pen
ˈbu̇l-ˌpen 
also ˈbəl-
variants
or less commonly bull pen
plural bullpens also bull pens
1
: a large cell where prisoners are detained until brought into court
Commonly called the "bullpen," the court lockup is behind the courtroom and is used as a holding area for prisoners …—
Bruce A. Scruton
Bruce A. Scruton2
a
: a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up before they start pitching
In the bullpen, Goose Gossage is warming up.—Tony Scherman
Tony Scherman
b
: the relief pitchers of a baseball team
After five innings Seattle led 14-2 and, with baseball's best bullpen waiting to protect the lead should starter Aaron Sele falter …—Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated3
: an open work area not divided into offices
… an alternative to the traditional combination of private offices for the brass and bullpens for the workers.—Carl Ruff
Carl RuffExamples of bullpen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The addition of Duran would solidify the backend of the Yankees' bullpen as one of the best units in baseball.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Further bullpen upgrades could still be coming, but as for any other specific areas of improvement, Stearns could go either way.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 July 2025
With two vacant rotation spots, the straits are so dire that the team may use a rare bullpen game on Sunday.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 July 2025
The most underrated member of the bullpen over the past couple months has been Wandy Peralta.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
The brilliant sunshine only focused a brighter light on the Dodgers’ bullpen issues.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
Their best players are as good as anyone’s, but the connective tissue (and the bullpen) needs shoring up at the deadline.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Perhaps the Cubs address the rotation and bullpen within the same trade.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Further bullpen upgrades could still be coming, but as for any other specific areas of improvement, Stearns could go either way.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 July 2025
With two vacant rotation spots, the straits are so dire that the team may use a rare bullpen game on Sunday.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 July 2025
The most underrated member of the bullpen over the past couple months has been Wandy Peralta.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
The brilliant sunshine only focused a brighter light on the Dodgers’ bullpen issues.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 25 July 2025
Their best players are as good as anyone’s, but the connective tissue (and the bullpen) needs shoring up at the deadline.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Perhaps the Cubs address the rotation and bullpen within the same trade.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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