bullpen

noun

bull·​pen ˈbu̇l-ˌpen How to pronounce bullpen (audio)
 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullpen was in 1809

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Cite this Entry

“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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