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.
Kershaw will likely be part of a crowded group of southpaws down in the bullpen. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025 Manager Dave Roberts will have to be surgical with a bullpen that certainly won't be a strength throughout October. Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 After being hampered by injuries late in his time with the Royals, Keller is healthy and happy to be part of Chicago’s bullpen. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bullpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullpen. Accessed 5 Oct. 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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