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

The Chicago White Sox added to their bullpen overnight by acquiring right-hander Huascar Brazobán from the New York Mets for minor-league pitchers Zach Franklin and Gabe Davis, a source confirmed to the Tribune. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

This trade breaks up the core of the bullpen, which has been just about the only reliable part of the Mets this season. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Tidwell, 25, has made eight appearances with San Francisco this season, all out of the bullpen, but has spent most of the year as a starter in Sacramento. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

The Phillies had another opportunity slip away Friday night in brutal fashion as the bullpen gave up a lead, continuing a stretch that has placed increasing pressure on a club once viewed as a clear National League contender. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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