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 Yankees haven’t signed a reliever to a big-money contract since 2019, but retaining Bednar would go a long way for a bullpen with numerous other free agents, including Paul Blackburn. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Very smart analysts have pointed to quality bullpens, big midseason trades, drafting and development, free agency, dominant starting rotations, home runs, or making contact and putting the ball in play. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The Cubs could use a few more guys like Megill in the bullpen. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Milwaukee's bullpen, led by seven outs from Aaron Ashby, had combined for seven straight scoreless innings, before Caminero reached against Antonio Senzatela. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 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