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 Phillies had a starter, Ranger Suárez, available in the bullpen in Game 1 last October but opted not to use him. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Justin Wrobleski struggles, giving up eight hits and four runs over three innings, but a solid overall performance by the bullpen allows the Dodgers to claw back. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Rangers closer Jacon Latz (3-2) then intentionally walked Yandy Diaz before Aranda homered into the home bullpen beyond right field. — Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026

The Marlins kept trying to chip away, but the Cubs bullpen stepped up in the biggest moments. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 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