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

Kotsay said Monday that Morris would be used out of the bullpen this time, taking Suarez’s spot. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

The Nationals have an unstoppable offense and a tragic bullpen. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Credit the bullpen for keeping the game within reach. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

As the offense carried the load, the Royals’ bullpen also picked up the slack. — Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026

The Cubs bullpen did just fine, despite a cast of seven relievers that included a few recent cast-offs added to fill the injury void, like waiver claim Bryse Wilson. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Besides that, only David Morgan (1 IP, 1 ER) was used out of the bullpen as catcher Rodolfo Durán took down the ninth inning. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026

Braves opener Reynaldo López allowed one run and four hits in three innings during his return to the starting rotation after two months in the bullpen. — ABC News, 27 June 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