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

2

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

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

3

: 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

Examples of bullpen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Things continue to trend up for the bullpen after an, at times, difficult few months following José Alvarado’s 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use. —Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

Ragans, who threw a live bullpen this week, is slated for a rehab assignment Sunday. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025

The Mets have had to plug some holes after losing Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning to injuries, while Frankie Montas will be moved to the bullpen. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

But even with Wheeler out, the Phillies have an outstanding rotation, and a solid bullpen. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Counsell said the right-hander would start in the bullpen but stay stretched out in case the team needs an extra starter. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bullpen

• again
• airmen
• amen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen
• ben

Kids Definition

bull pen

noun

1

: a large cell where prisoners are held until brought into court

2

a

: a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up

b

: the relief pitchers of a team