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

Although the Dodgers’ bullpen performed well to get 10 outs after Glasnow was done. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025

Well aware of the narrative surrounding the bullpen this October, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to a slew of relievers in hopes of changing the discourse. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Even lefty Eric Lauer, who was probably the top alternative to starting Scherzer and could very well pitch out of the bullpen on Thursday, couldn't wait to see Scherzer in action. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Preller mentioned both Mason Miller and Adrián Morejón while discussing the Padres’ bullpen as a strength. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025

As well as a pretty full bullpen. —Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 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