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
Bruce A. Scruton2
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
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
Sports Illustrated3
: 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
Carl RuffExamples of bullpen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Houston’s bullpen did not stir, underscoring the weight Gordon bore Wednesday.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Holmes, who had given up only one home run all season prior to Wednesday, gave up two home runs while the Bucs and their bullpen shut down the Mets.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
The Marlins broke through against the White Sox bullpen.
—Miami Herald, 11 May 2025
Needless to say, Arkansas will rely on its bullpen quite a bit today.
Arkansas 0, LSU 0 — Middle 1st Inning
Anthony Eyanson didn't have to work a lot during a 1-2-3 first inning.
—Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
As the only southpaw in the Twins’ bullpen, he’s often tasked with facing tough lefties.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
The relief pitchers emerged from the bullpen to join the fun — not in a sprint, but in a slow walk.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
The Rockies pounded out a season-high 16 hits and made the Padres, owners of one of the majors’ best bullpens, squirm.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Triston McKenzie, looked upon as a potential starter, was so erratic in spring training, he was dispatched to the Guardians bullpen to start the season.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
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Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Holmes, who had given up only one home run all season prior to Wednesday, gave up two home runs while the Bucs and their bullpen shut down the Mets.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
The Marlins broke through against the White Sox bullpen.
—Miami Herald, 11 May 2025
Needless to say, Arkansas will rely on its bullpen quite a bit today.
Arkansas 0, LSU 0 — Middle 1st Inning
Anthony Eyanson didn't have to work a lot during a 1-2-3 first inning.
—Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
As the only southpaw in the Twins’ bullpen, he’s often tasked with facing tough lefties.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
The relief pitchers emerged from the bullpen to join the fun — not in a sprint, but in a slow walk.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
The Rockies pounded out a season-high 16 hits and made the Padres, owners of one of the majors’ best bullpens, squirm.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Triston McKenzie, looked upon as a potential starter, was so erratic in spring training, he was dispatched to the Guardians bullpen to start the season.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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